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THE 

LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS 

OF 



ELDER CHARLES BOWLES. . 

OF THE FREE WILL BAPTIST DENOMINATION, 
BY ELD. JOHN W. "LEWIS. 



TOGETHER WITH 



AN ESSAY ON THE CHARACTER AND CONDITION OF THE AFRICAN 7.AC1 
BY THE SAME. 



AN ESSAY ON THE FUGITIVE LAW 

OF THE TJ. S. CONGRESS OF 1850, 



BY REY. ARTHUR DEARIJSTG. 

1867 

WATERFOWL : ^ 

XNGALLS & STO WELL'S STEAM PRESS, 

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In offering this work to the public, it is not claimed 
that all the dates are correct, or that there may not be 
some inaccuracies in some of the circumstances related ; 
it would be beyond the expectation of the writer that it 
should be otherwise. The journal of Elder Bowles was 
quite limited, and the writer had no personal acquaint- 
ance with him as the subject of this work, so that much 
of the information, concerning his early and latter his- 
tory, has been obtained by the writer, from those who 
were acquainted with him ; and from Church and Quarter- 
ly Meeting Records. But we can assure our readers, 
that the most untiring efforts have been made to obtain 
as much information, and to be as accurate as possible. 
And we are confident in saying, that the Work as a whole, 
is correct, and may be relied upon, as a fair and impar- 
tial History of our beloved Brother Bowles. 



CHAPTER I. 

His Origin — Early Life — Enters the Artny — Close of the War — His 
Conversion — Joins the C. Baptist Church — Whitfield's Labors — 
Withdraws from the C. Baptists and joins the F. • W. Baptists. 

Elder Charles Bowles, the subject of this Memoir, 
was born in the city of Boston, A. B. 1761. His father 
was an African, in the humble capacity of a servant. — ■ 
His mother was a daughter of the-celebrated Col.'iJJorga^ 
who was' distinguished as an Officer' in the Eiiie Corps 
of the American army, during the Revolutionary struggle 
for Independence. 

His infancy was spent with his father ; but while in 
his childhood, he was placed under the care of Mr. J ones, 
of Lunenburgh, Mass. At the early age of twelve, Mr. 
Jones died, and he was placed in the family of a Tory. 
But it appears that his young heart, did not readily im- 
bibe the sentiments of " the divine right of longs," nei- 
ther did he altogether fancy his new situation ; for at the 
tender age of fourteen, we find him serving in the Colo- 
nial army, in the capacity of waiter to an officer.. 

lie remained in this situation for two years, and then 
enlisted, a mere boy, in the American army, to risk his 
life in defence of the holy cause of liberty. He- must 
have learned here, to meet danger with courage and res- 
olution ; this was a portion of his life that' called into 
vigorous exercise that courage and perseverance, for which 
he was- ever after characterized. "We know very little of 
of his military life, save that he served through the en- 
tire war. We may well suppose that he saw s>me hard 



6 LIFE, LABORS AND TRAVELS, 

service — had many narrow escapee — often moved on to 
battle amid the roar of cannon, rattle of musketry and 
death-dealing bayonets. His young heart must have of- 
ten stood appalled, amid the carnage which strewed many 
a battle-field, and he must have turned away from such 
scenes of blood and slaughter, sickened at the horrors of 
war. But his heart was young, and all awake to the cause 
of human freedom, which was then writhing in the grasp 
of the British lion for existence ; and he with others, ral- 
lied around the flag of his country, and fought on, till 
with the blessing of God, the British cannon ceased their 
roar, their serried columns were sent flying before the 
Eagle of Liberty — and the tide of ministerial aggression 
rolled back — our independence acknowledged, and the 
foundation of a great republic laid deep in the hearts of 
a rejoicing nation. 

After the close of the war, and the disbanding of the 
army, Elder Bowles went into the State of New Hamp- 
shire, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Soon after, 
he was married to Miss Mary Corliss his cousin, a grand 
daughter of the above named Col. M. Such was the con- 
dition and financial resources of the country, during and 
subsequent to the war, that those who had so nobly sac- 
rificed their time and strength in the common cause, were 
obliged to return to their homes unrewarded, save by the 
pleasing remembrance of the victories they had won — 
the gratitude of a nation of freemen, and the bright an- 
ticipation of the undisturbed enjoyment of civil and re- 
ligious liberty. 

Soon after his marriage, he began to find that he was 
raising his arm in rebellion, against a mightier king than 
George the III. He felt that he was living in open vio 
lation of the just requirements of the King of Heaven, 



OF ELD. CIIAKLES BOWLES. ft 

who had created and preserved him, and Jesus Christ, 
who had died to redeem him ; and though his efforts at 
rebellion in one case, had been crowned with success, he 
now found that he was not only engaged against a migh- 
tier Prince, but in an unjust cause. He was led by the 
power of God's truth to see that his condition was hope- 
less, and he forever lost, without an interposition of the 
mercy of God, manifested in Jesus Christ. He began 
to feel, that though he had escaped the clangers of the 
battle field — though he had trod with fearless soul amid 
the roar of cannon, the clashing of swords, and had seen 
the fearful carnage of death all around him, he could not 
stand before the Throne of his Judge — bear the angry 
flashes of his countenance, nor endure the awful " depart 
ye cursed," that shall fall upon the ears of those who re- 
fuse to lay down their arms at the feet of Jesus. On the 
one side he heard the awful thunders of Sinai, threaten- 
ing death upon every violator of the divine law, and on 
the other, he heard the hopeful invitations of Calvary, 
offering peace and pardon to the penitent. After a hard 
fought contest between the kingdoms of light and dark- 
ness, in which the throne of mercy was often besieged, 
and iiis obdurate heart completely subdued, that blood, 
which has been shed for the remission of sin, availed in 
his behalf, and that voice that stilled the tempest on Ge- 
nesareth's troubled bosom, whispered " peace " to his 
guilty conscience, and bid him sing the song of " dying 
love and redeeming grace." He was taken from the hor- 
rible pit of miry clay, his feet established on a rock, and 
a new song put into his mouth. His experience was sim- 
ple, but truthful. His feelings had undergone a change 
that hold a striking contrast with the parade of the camp, 
the din of the battle field, and the carnage of the deadly 



8 LIFE, LAEOPwS, AND TRAVELS, 

bayonet. Although the christian's life is a warfare, yet 
there are far more blessed assurances, than in the martial 
contest, which stirs up the worst passions of our nature. 
The one opens all the fountains of human sympathy, 
breaks down national distinctions and barriers, and looks 
upon all men as members of the human brotherhood ; 
the other dries up the fountains of humanity, interposes 
barriers between those whom God has made of one blood, 
and .fills the land with lamentation and woe. Eld. B. now 
found himself in a new position. He had served under 
Borne of the most renowned generals, whose actions live 
upon the page of history ; he had charged fearlessly up- 
on the serried ranks of his countries foes ; he had wielded 
the weapons of slaughter and carnage. He is now called 
upon to enlist in a moral contest ; he is now to fight un- 
der thel eadership of the Prince of Peace ; he is now to 
lead God's sacramental host on to victory against the 
ranks of the enemies of Christ's kingdom ; he is now to 
wield the sword of the Spirit, and plant the banners of 
the Cross upon the ramparts of the enemies' citadel. 

Elder Bowles soon after openly professed faith in the 
Redeemer, by receiving the ordinance of baptism, and 
uniting with the Calvinistic Baptist Church, in the town 
of Wentworth, New Hampshire. He then labored in 
Warren and adjacent towns. At this time, Baptist senti- 
ments were quite unpopular in the State, while Congre- 
gationalism exerted the all-controlling influence over the 
public mind ; and consequently, the Baptists enjoyed the 
privilege, which all religions minorities have always en- 
joyed, of being persecuted and called heretics ; and that 
other privilege too, of enjoying much of the spirit and 
power of the holy gospel . 

And yet, the Baptists soon began to exercise the power 



OF ELO. CHAJBLEB BOWLES. V 

which the j were fast gaining. They, like nearly all re- 
formers, were as nn willing to have their errors exposed, 
as they had been ready to expose the errors of the Con- 
gregationalists. Thus it always is ; one class of men will 
make reforms of a certain character, and then in their 
turn, become the persecutors of the reformers of their own 
abuses. But the spirit of religious liberty was beginning 
to kindle in many parts of the country, under the suc- 
cessful labors of the eloquent George Whitfield. The 
messenger of peace had scarcely reached the shores of 
Britain, bearing the glad news of amity and reconcilia- 
tion between the two nations, before the propitious gales 
of heaven are wafting to our shores, this mighty herald 
of the glorious gospel of a still more blessed peace ; to be 
obtained w T ith no weapons, but those chosen from the ar- 
senal of heaven — with no other spirit but that of his mas- 
ter, he came to negotiate a treaty between the court of 
heaven and its revolted subjects. If the booming cannon 
■and rattling musketry, were unable to bring back the 
revolted colonies to their allegiance to the British crown, 
the legate of the court of heaven, was enabled by the 
power of the gospel, to conquer the the hearts of the col- 
onists. If the divine right of kings, received a mighty 
overthrow on the plains of Lexington, Saratoga, and 
Yorktown, the divine right of ecclesiastical tyranny and 
sanctified oppression, received a mightier overthrow in 
the pulpits of New England. That spirit which persecu- 
ted the Baptists, with Roger Williams at their head, could 
not brook the freedom with which Mr. Whitfield assailed 
their traditions and long standing errors. He was not- 
only successful in the conversion of thousands of hard- 
ened sinners, from destruction's dangerous path, but equal- 
ly successful in opening a new religious era in America, 
Elder Bowles warmly espoused the cause of the Bap- 



10 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

tists, and identified his interests with theirs. But he soon 
found, that to give vigorous growth to the germ of free 
salvation, which had been sown in his soul, he must seek 
some jmore congenial soil, where the free showers of heav- 
en might water the tender plant of gospel grace. By a 
careful examination of the scriptm'es, the great chart of 
all christian doctrine, and humble dependence upon di- 
vine wisdom, he was induced to withdraw from the C. B. 
church, and attach himself to the infant denomination of 
Y. W. Baptists, then just springing into existence. He 
had met with some opposition, in going forward in baptism 
from his companion, and now to sunder that tie, affected 
him deeply. But such was his conscientious regard for 
duty, that every obstacle had to yield to it. Possessing 
a mind fully devoted to the interests of the gospel which 
he had espoused, and seeking only to labor for the salva- 
tion of his fellow men, regardless of frowns and flatter- 
ies, he enjoyed a large degree of the confidence of his 
new associates in the gospel warfare. He made religion 
a practical, every day matter of conscientious business. 



CHAPTER II. 

His Call to the Ministry — Goes to Sea to Escape Duty — The Subject 
of a Strange Dream — Leaves the Ship, and Preaches — A Revival 
Commences, and he Enters the Gospel Field — New Trials. 

Soon after his connection with his new associates, his 
mind was deeply exercised upon the condition of the 
world around him, and he began to believe that he had 
been singled out from among his brethren, for the work 
of the gospel ministry. From such a duty, he at once 
shrunk ; uot from any lack of interest, but he felt his in- 
competency for such an undertaking. A liberal educa- 
tion was generally considered, at that time, an almost 
indispensible qualification for the ministry ; and although 
he possessed strong natural abilities, yet his lyook educa- 
tion was nothing, as his journals will abundantly show. 
Hence, should he attempt to stand before the people as a 
public teacher, he would meet with nothing but coldness 
and rebukes. 

These, and many other difficulties of a pecuniary na- 
ture, threw him into deep trials ; and he refused, like Jo- 
nah, to preach the preaching which God bid him. He 
heard sounding in his ears, " wo is me, if I preach not 
the gospel ;" his mind was so agitated, that he was un- 
qualified for business, and his temporal affairs began to 
work against him, and like Jonah, he also " took ship and 
fled," not to Tarshish, but from duty. Arranging his bu- 
siness as best he could, he made for the sea-shore, and 
embarked at Boston, on board a vessel, in the capacity of 
cook. He continued to follow his business for three years. 



12 LIFE, LABOKS, AISD 

His sailor's life, naturally led him into wicked society, the 
consequence of which was, he became well nigh backslid- 
den in life, if not in heart ; but still unwilling to relin- 
quish all hope of salvation. Amid the scenes into which 
he plunged, there still pressed upon his mind, at times, the 
solemn duty which he was neglecting ; and when he saw 
the angry waves lift themselves on high, as they were 
driven before the furious blast, he felt a more fearful com- 
motion within his own bosom — he dreaded not so much 
the lashing of the maddened tempest against the sides of 
his ship, as the silent scorpion stings of a guilty conscience. 
Thus he continued for about three years, in a sate ef dis- 
obedience. By times, feeling the awful responsibility of 
his situation, and the fearful doom that awaited him, would 
again silenc his conscience, and the voice of duty, by 
joining in the ribbald songs and jests of his rude ship-mates. 
During the winter of the third year, of his Jonah's 
. life, and while the vessel was undergoing some repairs, a 
female, an entire stranger to him, called at the vessel, 
and, introducing herself, informed him that she resided 
some thirty miles from that place in the country, and that 
she had had a singular dream ; in which, it had been 
shown her, that an extensive Revival was soon to com- 
mence in that place ; and that he had been shown to her, 
as the instrument in the hands of God, of its commence- 
ment and spread. But he had not disposition to lift up 
his voice in Jesus' behalf ; and therefore treated the mes- 
sage with indifference and neglect, and it soon passed 
from his mind. But he was not long suffered to remain 
hid like Saul, " among the chaff;" for the woman made 
her second appearance, accompanied this time by her hus- 
band ; and again urged him to comply with her strange 
mission. 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 13 

By much entreatj, lie was at length prevailed upon to 

send an appointment. At the appointed time he proceed- 
ed to the place, which, to him, was new. He began to 
fee! the embarrasments of his situation, the lack of holi- 
ness in his own heart, and his unfitness to preach the ev- 
erlasting gospel to dying men. But he endeavored to fill 
his appointment as best he could. It seemed rather a 
failure, than otherwise, and caused him to feel well nigh 
discouraged. He returned from the meeting with the in- 
tention of giving it up ; but the woman and her husband 
had stronger faith in their dream than he ; and pre- 
vailed upon, him to leave another appointment. The time 
. arrived, the people Socked to the house, and there await- 
ed, his arrival. On his way he passed through a piece of 
wood, and turning aside, bowed himself before God, and 
poured out his soul in prayer ; his soul was delivered, and 
he began to feel the awful condition of the unregenerate. 
. He arose and went to the meeting — the divine power of 
the gospel took hold of the heart of both preacher and 
hearer ; many cried for mercy, and. some six or eight 
were converted. His doubts now fled like the dew before 
the rising sun — his duty was now plain — his sea-faring 
life was. abandoned, and he embarkud on board the " Old 
Ship of Zion," bound on a life voyage to .the New Jcru- 
. salem. He soon after left for his home, to make . prepar- 
ation for his new avocation, with the full determination 
to "confer no longer with flesh and blood." But as strong 
.as this, resolution was, he found it quite shaken when he 
met the opposition of his wife, and an. irreligious world ? 
together with some whose duty it was to encourage hira> 
all frowning in coldness upon his new undertaking. 

He found that there was a difference between a circle 
of young converts, and self-righteous Pharisaical profes- 



14: LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

sors. But relying upon the promise " Lo I am with you 
unto the end," he ventured forth upon his toilsome mis- 
sion. Amid all his discouragements, he found some warm 
christian hearts, who were more interested for the salva- 
tion of men, than for mere display and influence ; and 
who encouraged him to go forward trusting in God. Thus, 
under circumstances to him encouraging, he entered upon 
his great mission work of sounding salvation to a lost 
world. Soon after, he received a license from the Con- 
ference to improve his gift in public. Although his ac- 
quired abilities were small, yet possessing a mind naturally 
strong, he soon began to make decided improvement in 
his public administration. And wherever he labored, 
some new evidence of his usefulness appeared, which 
continued to give increased confidence to his brethren. — 
With them his heart became warm in Christian fellow- 
ship, and like Euth with Naomi, he determined to iden- 
tify his interest with the Free Will Baptists, to live and 
die with them ; which resolution was strictly kept for more 
than forty years. At this time there were but few min- 
isters of the F. W. B. order in Vermont, and he felt it his 
duty to sound the note of Free Grace and Salvation among 
the Green Mountains. Although he was poor and uned- 
ucated, his noble soul lifted to God, now at the beginning, 
for divine instruction and qualification for the arduous 
work before him. If in his soul he could exclaim " Who 
is sufficient for these things?" he could adopt the lan- 
guage and sentiment of the bible, " not by might, nor by 
power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord." Therefore, it is 
evident that neither a desire for personal ease, or popularity, 
or pecuniary benefit, induced him to enter the Ministry ; 
but the true motive was to promote the glory of God and 
the salvation of men, to say with the good Apostle " The 
love of Christ constraineth me," 1st Cor., 5th, 14th. 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 15 

Between the years of 1808 and 1817, Eld. Bowles spent 
some time in Ashburnham, Mass., where he labored with 
good success. We are not informed, whether a F. W. B. 
church was then in existence in that place, but the senti- 
ments of the denomination were well received in that re- 
gion. After finishing his labors in this place, he went to 
Gloucester in Ehode Island, and labored some in compa- 
ny with Elder Colby ; who says in his journal, " after 
meeting, I went to the south-east part of Gloucester, and 
preached to two hundred people. This was a neighbor- 
hood, where brother Bowles had been preaching for a few 
weeks before. A number of souls had been brought into 
the enjoyment of religion, through his instrumentality. 
I found that there was a great appearance of a glorious 
revival in that part of the town." Elder Colby speaks of 
brother Bowies' labors, on some other occasions, and 
epeaks well of him. Elder Bowles spent much of the 
year of 1813 in this town, occasionally visiting other 
towns. He saw many converted under his labors in that 
State ; and doubtless, that many shall come up from there, 
having their " robes washed and made white by the blood 
of the Lamb," who have been redeemed through the la- 
bors of those faithful servants of God. Some may still 
be living, who can praise God that they ever heard the 
gospel from their lips. They are dead, but their works 
still follow them. 

There appears to have been some similarity of charac- 
ter between them. They were both earnest and faithful 
laborers — both, men of deep piety — of strong faith — of 
unshaken confidence in God — of fearless spirit, in the 
presence of mob violence, and never quailed while Elijah's 
God nerved their hearts and fired their souls. Brother 
Bowies' confidence in God, was put to the test on several 



W LIE®, LAB0E9, AND TRAVELS, 

occasions, when assailed by mob violence; and on one 

occasion in the State of Bhode Island. In a certain town, 
a hall had been fitted up by an irreligious man, for th 
accommodation of that class of people who have their 
brains in their heels, and whose God dwells in their stom- 
achs, and whose zeal is drawn from the demijon, wh 
meet in the night to celebrate the orgies of Bacchus 
whom they worship by copious offerings of gold and health 
On the death of the owner his widow determined to over- 
throw the altar and the tables of the money-changers, 
and drive them forth, from the temple which they 
had desecrated. But this could not be done, without- 
offending the worshippers of the heathen god ; and 
he rallied his devotees to the rescue of his broken altars, 
and his former temple of worship ; for when the first 
meeting was held for the purpose of dedicating it to the 
worship of the Christian's God ; Bacchus assembled his 
worshipers from his various altars, their faces burning with 
zeal, and hearts filled with the spirit of their mission, they 
seized the minister, dragged him to a pump, and drenched 
him with water, until he left the place... Soon after, Elder 
Bowles received an invitation to attend a meeting in the 
hall : and was also informed of the character of the place, 
and his probable reception. But always ready, like Paul, 
to preach the gospel to barbarians as well as Jews, he ac- 
cepted the invitation. He had entered on a warfare that 
knew no defeat, no retreat. His motto was onward. -The 
time of meeting arrived — a large concourse of people as- 
sembled, and Elder Bowles with -the rest Though he had 
not come unarmed to throw himself Into the dangerous: 
breach ; but had chosen his- weapons from the best arse- 
nal in the world. He had gone to the armory of heaven, 
and selected the old and tried armor of Paul ; and he 



OF ELD. CHAKLES BOWLES. IT 

came forth having his loins girt about with Truth ; on 
his black breast shone the breast-plate of righteousness ; 
his feet were well encased with a preparation of the gos- 
pel of peace, and over his head he held the shield of 
faith ; on his brow rested the helmet of salvation, and in. 
his hand glittered the sword of the spirit ; the whole hav- 
ing been newly burnished by praying always with all 
prayer. The mob came too, with their hearts nerved 
with the dark spirit of the pit, bent on deeds of violence. 
But they knew not the power of that Mighty One, who 
had commissioned this dark son of Ham, to sound his gos- 
pel to dying men. 

They vainly supposed, that all they would have to do, 
would be to enter the town, seize him and bear him away ; 
but this work which was so easily planned, was not so 
easily done. Brother Bowles requested the brethren to 
take their stand around him, and lift their hearts in silent 
prayer to Daniel's God for deliverance. And when the 
mob entered, there stood that adamantine breast-work of 
prayer, girt around the object of their fury, who was send- 
ing his well tempered blade deep into the hearts of his 
enemies, while he was defended by a chain of prayers in- 
to whose embrace it was dangerous for a mob to enter. 
They saw at a glance the weapons which they must meet, 
and their faces blanched, their eyes quailed, their hearts 
faltered, and their arms were palsied; and after hesita- 
ting a moment, they retired from the presence of him? 
who had power with God. After service, and taking tea 
with the family, he took his cane and his overcoat, passed 
out into the street, and through the mob, they opening to 
the right and left, as though held in awe by an unseen 
hand, and he passed on, none daring to do him harm. 

It is to be regretted, that brother Bowles kept no jour- 



18 LIFE, ULBORS, AND TRAVELS, 

nal of his labors while in Rhode Island. What we 
gather is detached fragments from those who were ac- 
quainted with him while there. On leaving he returned 
to New Hampshire. 



CHAPTER III. 

Moves to Vermont — Is Ordained — His Trust in God — A Shelter is 
Providentially Provided — Is Exposed to a Mob — The Mob Converted 
and Baptized — Has a Queer Text Given Him. 

Some time during the year 1816, he moved to "Will- 
iamstown, Vermont. July 24th, of this year, he came 
into Huntington, and preached his first sermon ; com- 
mencing it by reading the hymn which commences thus : 
" With love and pity I look round, 

Upon my fellow clay; 
See men reject the gospel sound, 
Great God ! what shall I say ?" 

His labors in this place resulted in the conversion of 
near an hundred souls. He continued to labor in this vi- 
cinity during the summer, with good success. He soon 
after bought a farm in Huntington, where he lived with 
three of his children. As his labors had been blessed in 
this place in the conversion of many, a church was organ- 
ized in the fall, of the Free "Will Baptist Order. 

On the 26th of November of this year, the church in 
Huntington, of which he was a member, called a council 
to sit with them, to examine, and ordain brother Bowles 
to the work of the Gospel Ministry. The council consist- 
ed of Elders Webster and Maynard. This council, with 
the church, set him apart to the work whereto God had 
called him. His trials were severe, and often in his jour- 
neys, he knew not where to find a shelter. On one oc- 
casion, he started on a preaching tour — it was a cold, 
dreary winter's day ; after riding through the day with- 
out food, for he was penniless, he began to think of supper, 



20 LIFE, LABOES, AND TRAVELS, 

and shelter for the night ; but where to go he knew not ; 
he was far from home, and among strangers ; but he 
sought Jacob's God, and like him, prayed that God would 

direct him to some friendly abode. What an object for 
the protecting care of Him, without whose knowledge, 
not even a sparrow can fall to the ground ! that dark 
son of Africa, kneeling behind his cutter, upon the cold 
snow, imploring the Divine protection. But as humble, 
and dark of skin as he was, within his bosom pulsed as 
true a heart as ever received the Divine commission, " Go 
ye into all the word, and preach the gospel to every crea- 
ture." It was heard and answered. Calmness filled his 
soul — trust in God cheered him on his way ; and giving 
loose reins to his horse, he proceeded on his uncertain 
journey, intending to let his horse take his own way. — 
After passing several houses, his horse turned up to a 
.dwelling and stopped. He alighted and entered, re- 
questing the privilege of warming. While sitting by the 
fire, a child some live or six years of age, began to weep 
most sorrowfully ; the mother took her into another room, 
that she might quiet her; but soon returned, surprised 
and astonished, exclaiming " Who are you? where are 
you going 1 and are you hungry V He told her his name, 
■ and that he was hungry. She soon prepared supper for 
Mm, and her husband coming in, he was requested to 
spend the night with them. There being a meeting in 
the place, he attended with the family ; the appointment 
was for a Methodist circuit preacher ; but as it grew late, 
and no one arrived, some one requested him to preach, al- 
though he was not aware that any one knew that he was a 
preacher. His mind seemed led into the condition of the 
people, and he commenced the services ; but before he 
had finished the preliminary exercises, the circuit minis- 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 21 

ter came ; but insisted on the previous arrangement. His 
soul launched out freely into the deep waters of salvation 
for lost men ; and the mighty power of the gospel was 
felt upon many hearts, which resulted in the conversion of 
several that evening, and was the commencement of a 
glorious revival in the place. His success in this place 
had a powerful influence upon him, in dispelling his doubts, 
confirming his faith, and preparing him to engage in his 
great mission work with new confidence. 

While laboring in the towns of Huntington and Hines- 
burg, he met with much opposition , especially at the lat- 
ter place. His labors had been blessed in the salvation 
of many, whom he had the delightful privilege of leading 
down the banks of the beautiful lake in that town, and 
plunging beneath its placid bosom. And, as the work pro- 
gressed, and post after post of the enemy's camp yielded 
to the martialled hosts of Zion, fears were entertained that 
even the very citadel of the devil was about to yield ; the 
enemies of the cross of Christ began to gather their forces 
for one grand onslaught upon the ranks of the Prince of 
Peace. They thought to make their main attack upon 
brother Bowles, who was the leader of God's host in their 
recent victories ; and if they could silence him, the rest 
would be so intimidated they would abandon the siege of 
their camp. But they had not yet learned the character 
of the man whom they had selected as the object of their 
hate. They knew him as a man ; but not as the daunt- 
less servant of God — they had measured his physical 
strength ; but not the spiritual power, with which he be- 
sieged the Throne of Grace — they had calculated on the 
physical weapons which he might use ; but not on the 
spiritual ones with which God had armed him from 
heaven's arsenal ; neither had they ever measured arms 



22 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

with Elijah's God. But such is the fool-hardiness of some 
men, that they never stop to think of the power which 
they are about to assail. It was so in this case. Some 
dozen or more, banded themselves together, and agreed, 
if he held any more meetings in the place, to take him as 
he came out of the meeting, put him on a wooden horse, 
carry him to an adjoining pool, and throw him in ; leav- 
ing him to extricate himself as best he might. Such was 
the determined spirit of those engaged in the mob, that 
no one even thought of a failure. Among the number, 
was one young man, who had been somewhat acquainted 
with Elder Bowles, while laboring in Rhode Island with 
Elder Colby ; this young man was so conscience-smitten, 
that he could not rest, until he communicated the affair to 
brother Bowles, so he went to him and informed him of 
the whole plot. Brother Bowles heard the foul plot in all 
its details, with perfect composure ; and then said to the 
young man, " go take your place with the rest, and say 
nothing to any one about the information you have given 
to me, lest you should suffer for what you have revealed 
of their plans ; and give yourself no uneasiness about me, 
for God will take care of me / hut I shall do my duty 
though the enemy trample me under their feet" How 
much this answer sounds like the one Peter gave to the 
Jewish rulers. He knew but one path, and that was the 
path of duty ; he never, when sure of being in that path, 
stopped to parley about consequences. His faith in God 
was unwavering, and he always felt willing to fall, if fall 
he must, at the post assigned him. 

The time at length arrived for the meeting ; and while 
the enemy are preparing the weapons of their warfare, he 
is fitting himself. Behold him in yonder grove, bowed 
low before the throne of that mighty Redeemer, in whom 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 23 

he had learned to trust ; with his soul shut up in its own 
sanctuary alone with God. He feels the weakness of hu- 
man strength — he has never learned to trust to carnal 
weapons, and has gone to arm himself with the panoply 
of heaven, to meet the hate and malignity of a God de- 
fying mob. What a noble sight it is, to behold that de- 
spised servant of God, bowed there alone in the grove 
seeking only a preparation or heart to bless his enemies ! 
What a contrast it bears with the object of that band, who 
are now preparing themselves by whiskey and oaths to 
effect their malignant purpose ! While he is cherishing 
the kindest feelings for their spiritual welfare, they are 
steeling their hearts to every feeling of compassion and 
humanity. God has heard that voice of supplication, 
which was carried by angels from that forest up to heav- 
en ; calmness sits upon his brow, and faith adorns his soul. 
The time for the meeting has arrived ; Elder Bowles is 
in the desk ; the wooden horse is at the door, and the mob 
painted and disfigured are in their seats in the house. — 
Elder Bowles has taken his text, Matt. 23, 33, " Ye ser- 
pents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the 
damnation of hell ?" and, in the earnestness of his over- 
charged soul, is proclaining the gospel to that audience, 
just as though nothing had happened, or was in waiting 
for him ; the truth finds its way to many hearts, and 
causes them to feel its mighty power. He has concluded 
his sermon, sung his hymn, and is about ready to close 
his meeting — he arises, but not to pronounce the benedic- 
tion — all eyes are turned upon him, while he proceeds to 
address the mob. Said he, "I am informed that there 
are certain persons in this house, who have agreed to put 
me on a wooden horse, carry me to the pond and throw 
me in ; and now dear creatures, I shall make no resist- 



24 LIFE, LABOES, AND TRAVELS, 

ance at all — I am all ready ; but before staining I have 
one request to make. I wish you to put one of your most 
resolute men forward, because I have another subject from 
God to preach on the way ; and we will have music as we 
go along, glory he to God,yes we will have music ; glory 
he to God." This was said with his powerful voice, and 
with such confidence in God, that it went like an electric 
shock through the congregation, and produced an effect 
upon the mob, that could scarcely have been equalled 
had a bolt from heaven fallen in their midst ; so complete- 
ly were they overcome, that they fell prostrate upon the 
floor, and began to say like some of old, " Men and breth- 
ren what shall we do?" The mob spirit was broken, and 
quite another spirit had seized them. The man upon 
whom they were about to vent their hate, is now sought 
as the only one capable of affording them . assistance in 
this time of sore distress. They all soon submitted to the 
Savior, and found "peace in believing, and joy in the 
Holy Ghost." 

A short time after the above narrated circumstances, 
there might have been seen, one pleasant Sabbath after- 
noon, a large congregation gathering around a beautiful 
pond of water, in the town of liinesburg. If we closely 
scan that assembly, we shall detect one who appears to be 
a leader among them, whose complexion bears the mark 
of Africa indellibly fixed there by nature's own seal, in 
whom we shall discover the speaker who addressed the 
mob a few days previously. And on further examina- 
tion, we shall detect the countenances of some who might 
have been seen on that eventful evening, bearing a wood- 
en horse toward the place of worship. Both parties are 
here ; but no wooden horse makes its appearance. What 
can be the object of those men who had threatened to 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 25 

plunge that son of Ham beneath the very waves that are 
now murmuring at their f jet ? Have they come here to 
accomplish that fell purpose ? The case is now reversed, 
and that colored man, so recently the object of their con- 
tempt, is, in obedience to his commission, " Go ye, there- 
fore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name 
of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost," now about 
to plunge them beneath the liquid wave, as an evidence 
of their separation from the world and union with God. 
Here was indeed, a mighty triumph of the power of the 
gospel, worthy even of the days of Paul. Methinks the 
hymns of praise sung by those happy converts, on the 
banks of that lake, was caught up by Angels, and rolled 
o'er the plains of heaven from ten thousand angelic harps. 
Some of those who composed that baptismal group, have 
gone home to heaven, to join with brother Bowles in sing- 
ing the song of redemption, while others are still laboring 
in the Church Militant, to preach that gospel which they 
found to be " the power of God unto Salvation," to their 
own souls. 

Having now fully entered upon his work in this region, 
he preached extensively in Richmond, Duxbury, Water- 
bury, Stowe, Middlesex, and many other places ; in all of 
which he witnessed much of the power of the gospel, and 
was instrumental in turning many from the error of their 
ways to the true and living God. So deeply was he en- 
gaged in the work of the gospel, that he seemed always 
ready to speak in the name of his Master. "We find a 
remarkable instance of this in his journal : On one occa- 
sion, he had an appointment near a tavern, in the town 
of Richmond, in which a gentleman from New York had 
put up for the night. In the evening the landlord in 'brin- 
ed him that a colored man was to preach near by, and in- 



26 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

vited liini to attend ; but lie indignantly refused, alleging 
that the sermon was probably a borrowed one ; but on 
being again urged to go, consented on condition the land- 
lord would give him the following text, and he would 
preach from it that evening. They went to the house, 
laid the text on the desk and took their seats. It was 
Proverbs, 30th chap., 18th, 19th verses, " There are three 
things which are too wonderful for me ; yea four, which 
I know not. The way of an eagle in the air ; the way of 
a serpent upon a rock ; the way way of a ship in the midst 
of the sea ; and the way of a man with a maid." At first 
he thought of declining to preach from it at that time ; it 
was a new and difficult subject; one upon which he had 
never studied, and upon which he was unprepared to 
preach. Elder Nathaniel Bowles, a white man who had 
labored much with him, was present with him at this 
time, and they consulted for some time upon it. At last 
he determined that brother Nathaniel should read a long 
hymn to be sung, then make a long prayer, then read an- 
other long hymn, so as to give Elder Charles time to pre- 
pare his subject. When the last hymn was being sung, 
the text appeared clear to his mind. He announced his 
text, and after speaking for a few moments upon the lit- 
eral meaning, began to make a spiritual application of 
his subject. Elder Bowles in speaking of this scene says : 
" The Spirit lifted the big gates of glory, and the power 
rolled through the congregation ; the gentleman who gave 
the text was cut to the heart, and soon after converted to 
God." 

His manner of preaching was simple and practical, 
never attempting to make any display either of ignorance 
or learning, but always endeavoring to get at the plain 
import of the subject, and urge its claims home upon the 



OE ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 27 

attention of his hearers, and when the gentleman, who 
had supposed that he declaimed bo? % rowed sermons, come 
to hear him, he found in the pulpit a plain man, speaking 
the solemn truths of God's word, which came welling up 
from the depths of his own experience, instead of a moun- 
tebank vending the nostrums of theological quacks. It 
was the thrilling power of simple truth ; uttered in an 
earnest and feeling manner that produced such an effect 
upon the congregation which he addressed. These ap- 
peals, backed up by a consistent, godly life, made him a 
naming herald of Salvation wherever he went. 






CHAPTER IV. 

1817, Renews Covenant — Revival in Washington — Sister Danforth — 
Attends the Vt. Y. M. — Goes to N. Y.— Returns — Organizes a 
Chureh in Hinesburg — Brother Colby Restored from Sickness — Or- 
ganizes a Church at Duxbury — Organizes a Church at Shelburne — 
Organizes a Church in Huntington — His Labors During the Year. 

January 1st, 1817, Elder Bowles renews covenant with 
God, and girds on anew the heavenly armor for the spir- 
itual contest before him. He writes at this time, " I feel 
truly grateful to my Heavenly Father for past mercies, 
and earnestly pray that my heart may "be filled with love 
to him ; and with a spirit to labor in his holy cause. I 
want to feel more for the souls of my fellow men — I want 
to see more of them turning from the error of their ways 
— from sin to holiness, and prepare for the enjoyment of 
Heaven. I thank God for his presence the last year, and 
hope to meet his approbation during the year to come." 

Wq find him at the commencement of the year, enga- 
ged as usual, in his Master's service. On New Year's 
evening he preached at brother Simon Crock's house in 
"Washington. A deep interest pervaded the meeting, and 
several backsliders returned from their wanderings ; some 
of the unconverted came forward for prayers, while some 
young converts sang the Songs of Deliverance. Thus did 
some receive indeed, a New Year's Gift worth possessing. 

2d Jan., he visited Mr." Ely Sanborn, whose wife had 
just embraced religion, and found him interested for his 
salvation ; and brother Bowles had great confidence that 
he would soon join his wife around the family altar. In 



OF ELD. CHAIiLES BOWLES. 29 

the evening he attended a prayer meeting at the house of 
brother John Thomas. Here the power of the gospel was 
felt, and the slain of the Lord were thickly strewn around, 
while many a broken heart was sending to Mercy's ear 
the cry of "What shall I do to be saved?" Thus did 
they enjoy a happy commencement of the year. Brother 
Bowles continued to visit from house to house, encourag- 
ing the converts, exhorting the brethren to faithfulness, 
and warning sinners to flee from, the dangers thickly set 
about their way. 

12th, he attended an appointment at brother Chaney's. 
Several backsliders were reclaimed, while the ungodly 
felt deeply the dangers of their situation. Brother Bowles 
writes, " a shout went up from the camp of Israel, which 
made the kingdom of darkness tremble." He continued 
preaching and visiting ; while God blessed his labors 
abundantly. He found many, cases of deep interest which 
called forth the fullest exercise of Ms faith and zeal. — ■ 
Those who appeared affected by the power of the gospel 
in the meetings, he followed to the family circle ; and 
around many a hearth-stone were gathered a group of 
anxious souls sending their petitions for pardon and peace. 
Here the father rejoiced over the conversion of his chil- 
dren ; and the children rejoiced over the conversion of 
the parents — the brother prayed tor a weeping sister, and 
a pious sister saw the conversion of a long prayed' for 
brother. Methinks that amid those happy scenes, our 
brother's color was entirely forgotten, and they loved to 
hear the glorious gospel which came all warm from his 
devoted heart, just as well as though he had been a " Pale 
Face." If there is " joy in heaven among the angels of 
God over one sinner that repents, rt what ecstacy must seize 
the heavenly host at such scenes as this. Oh I that many 



30 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

sinners who may read these lines, may be induced to 
make the heavenly arches ring with the songs of joy over 
their conversions. 

After spending five weeks in this vicinity, and witness- 
ing the conversion of many, he left on the 18th to attend 
the Strafford Quarterly Meeting, holden at Strafford. — 
Brother Bowles and brother Spencer preached, and the 
brethren enjoyed an interesting meeting. From Strafford 
he went to Corrinth, visited and preached with Elder Na- 
thaniel Bowles and Elder King. 

22d, he visited Chelsy Greene in company with Elder 
Nathaniel Bowles and wife, preached several times, and 
visited several sick persons. In the evening he enjoyed 
an interesting prayer meeting ; saw one soul brought in- 
to gospel liberty ; spent the night at brother Worthy's. 

23d, he attended a meeting at brother Worthy's. Here 
he met with sister Clarissa Danforth, a female preacher, 
who had been converted under his labors, and, believing 
it to be her duty to warn her fellow men from error's 
ways, she had been sounding the gospel trump. It was 
pleasing to him to meet with the fruits of his labors ; and 
especially those who were like him endeavoring to spread 
the conquests of the gospel. On the subject of woman 
preaching, Dr. Ulark says, " if an Ass could reprove the 
prophet Balaam, and a barn-yard fowl could reprove Pe- 
ter, may not a woman rebuke sin ?" Although as Mrs. 
Child says, the classification of women with donkies and 
fowls, is not very complimentary. Elder Bowles preach- 
ed on this occasion, and sister Danforth followed in an 
exhortation. It was a time of refreshing ; saintg were 
made to rejoice, backsliders cried for mercy, and sinners 
began to feel their need of salvation. 25th, attended a 
meeting at brother Sleepers, with sister Danforth. The 



OF ELD. CHAKLES BOWLES. 31 

interest seemed to increase. Sabbath 26th, he felt deeply 
impressed with the responsibilities of his station and the 
weight of the cause resting npon him. He preached in 
the forenoon, and enjoyed good liberty. Sister Danforth 
spoke in the afternoon, and produced a deep impression 
on the congregation. A colored man and a woman, preach- 
ing in the same house on the same day, was rather a nov- 
el spectacle ; but in the importance of their subject, color 
and sex were all forgotten, and nothing but man's lost 
condition, and the abundance of the atonement presented 
themselves to their view. A prayer meeting was held 
after preaching ; many exhortations and prayers were of- 
fered, and it seemed a bethel to many a happy soul. Af- 
ter meeting, he rode seven miles to the west part of the 
town, although the cold was intense, and met a good con- 
gregation at brother Bamsdel's, and preached to them the 
word of life. The weather continuing stormy and cold, 
he spent several clays with the family in prayer and con- 
versation ; many a family still remembers with pleasure 
the happy seasons which they have enjoyed while he was 
their guest. How pleasing such past remembrances, to 
the christian heart ; and with what gratitude does the 
convert, who was thereby permitted to receive instruction, 
refer to those seasens of spiritual consolation. 

30th, went to brother Sleeper's ; in the evening he en- 
joyed an interesting interview with some neighbors, who 
had called in to listen to his instructions and prayers. 

Feb. 1st, he went to Turnbridge to attend the Yermont 
Yearly Meeting. He met in the Elder's Conference some 
fourteen ministers, and enjoyed with them an interesting 
interview. How beneficial may such schools of the proph- 
ets be made, and what benefits may they not confer upon 
every Quarterly and Yearly Meeting? Many of our 



32 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

brethren too lightly appreciate them ; some, who are un- 
willing to have their sentiments examined, oppose these 
conferences, on account of the discussions which they are 
apt to create, by the bringing in contact different opin- 
ions; but how much better it would be to present, in a 
christian spirit our different views, and compare and dis- 
cuss them in a christian manner, than to stubbornly re- 
fuse all discussion, and then denounce from the pulpit all 
who may choose to disagree from them. 

As Elder Bowles was traveling much among the church- 
es, the Yearly Meeting thought best to give him a com- 
mendation to the brethren in the Yearly Meeting, and 
wherever he might be called. Feb. 2d, some twelve hun- 
dred people came to hear the word. Brother Scales, from 
Maine, preached in the morning from these words, " The 
poor have the gospel preached unto them." Elder Bowles 
in giving account of this meeting, says : " The preaching 
through the day was attended with mighty power; the 
speakers seemed filled with the spirit of their mission, and 
seemed to feel a fresh annointing from the Holy One ; so 
that the battle went hard against the king's enemies El- 
der Buzzel got his " new-light " coat on, and he cut his 
length and breadth, until the devil's kingdom trembled. 
The evening meeting held until after twelve o'clock at 
night. Glory to God, we all got happy !" 

From the Yearly Meeting, Elder Bowles went on Mon- 
day to Chelsea, and heard sister Danforth; she spoke 
from Rev. 17th, 4th, which led her to expose the man of 
sin, " who sitteth upon the scarlet beast," " and was made 
drunk with the blood of the saints." He next visited 
Williamstown, and preached the word of life in a school- 
house ; where he did not enjoy much liberty ; but it ap- 
pears that he was not discouraged, for he continued labor- 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 33 

ing in that region, until by laboring day and night, saints 
were made to rejoice anew, backsliders came nocking 
home to Zion, and young converts sung the song of re- 
demption. How cheering are such scenes to the old pil- 
grim of the cross, who has been laboring for a long time 
in the midst of discouragements and trials. The winter 
of coldness is gone, and the singing of birds isscome, and 
die voice of the turtle is heard again in the land. Such 
41 scene is like an oasis in the journey of human life. 

On the 13th of March, he bid adieu to those dear friends, 
with much anxiety for their spiritual welfare, intending 
to visit some of the lake towns. He passed through Bar- 
ry to Montpelier ; where he found an old friend, with 
whom he tarried for the night. From thence he went to 
Middlesex ; staid with Elder Brown, and preached in the 
evening; the people appeared attentive, and the church 
well engaged. 

12th. After praying with the family and commending 
them to God, he rode to Duxbury, and held a meeting in a 
school-house, and preached from Isaiah 42d, 11th. Much 
interest was manifested in the meeting. Here he heard 
again the songs of the convert, which was his chief de- 
light, lie says of this meeting: " God had truly out of 
the moutlhs of babes and sucklings perfected praise." — 
After visiting some sick friends, and one sister in partic- 
ular, he went on through Bolton and Richmond to Hines 
burg, to fill an appointment. 

Sabbath, 16th, Elder Dodge preached in the morning 
from Romans 6th, 22d, and he preached in the aftejmoor 
from 2d Corrinthians 12th, 11th. His soul was elevated 
in the spirit of his work ; and all seemed to feel the pow- 
er of the gospel, which was preached to t&em from those 
two faithful servants of God. From tkis place, he went 

B 



34 

to Shelbourne, and held a prayer meeting in the evening-. 
After spending several days at Shelbourne, Williston, 
Charlotte and Richmond, he went to Burlington on the 
22d, and crossed the lake on to Grand Island, and went 
to South Hero and stopped at brother llasketts. 23d, he 
attended meeting with the Methodist circuit preacher, 
who preached from Rev. 22d, 1st, and enjoyed a good 
meeting. He preached in the place in the evening, and 
then went to North Hero. 24th, he crossed over to Platts- 
burg, and visited the scene where the English and 
American fleets met in deadly conflict during the last 
war. Elder Bowles had once girted on the death dealing- 
weapons and stood amid the crashing of cannon balls and 
the whistling of bullets, had bared his breast to the mer- 
ciless bayonet, and perhaps, awful thought I sent the death 
messenger home to some warm heart, and chilled the 
blood in some veins, and sent some spirit up to its final 
doom ; but he had long since sought and obtained a full 
and free pardon for all his sins ; and now stood beside 
that battle ground clad in the armor of peace — his weap- 
ons all moral — his message all glorious to friends and en- 
emies — his conquests a blessing to the defeated — and his 
standard the blood stained banner of the Prince of peace r 
with the Cross of Christ emblazoned upon its ample folds. 
Success to the ebony leader of God's chosen people. 

He spent several days in Clinton County, New York ;. 
-attended to some business, and preached the gospel to his 
fellow men as he had occasion. He soon returned to Yex- 
mont through Plattsburgh, Hero, and Burlington. He 
next went to Essex. During this route he spoke often in 
meetings, aiming always to sound the gospel wherever he 
had opportunity. Sabbath 26th, he says, " I think that 
J. can saj with John the Kevelator, " I was in the Spirit 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 35 

on the Lord's day ;" my soul feels happy in God — much 
solemnity rests upon me as I find many souls under deep 
conviction — poor backsliders trembling, and christians 
pointing them to the Lamb of God who taketh away the 
sin of the world." He seems to feel much like an ancient 
one, who says, " I have no greater joy, than that my chil- 
dren walk in the truth," Such a state in the church is 
certainly encouraging. 

April 13th, he attended meeting at the house of sister 
Irish, in Charlotte, and preached twice. One woman be- 
came convicted of her sins and cried aloud for mercy ; 
the interest soon deepened, and backsliders began to con- 
fess their rebellion against the government of Heaven, 
and to seek forgiveness at the foot of the cross. This glo- 
rious work was the result of several meetings which he 
had held in the vicinity. 14th, he went to Mr. Israel 
Sheldon's, to visit his son who was quite sick. In the 
evening he attended a prayer meeting. 17th, he attend- 
ed a prayer meeting again in the place. 18th, he attended 
the funeral of a young lad ; and then went on to Rhode 
Island Corner, and preached in the evening. 19th, he 
Avent back to Charlotte and attended another funeral. — 
Death was among the people and uttering a fearful admo- 
nition in their ears, to prepare. for their final exit. In the 
evening he went to Hinesburg and attended a meeting. 
Sabbath, 20th, he preached in Charlotte, and again in the 
evening ; when some came forward for prayers ; the 
brethren were encouraged and cried to God for the spread 
of his kingdom. 21st, he visited a sick brother, quite a 
number of the neighbors came in and enjoyed a little 
prayer meeting. Two of the number manifested much 
seriousness. In the evening he attended a meeting in the 
place, and some requested prayers. 22d, the interest of 



36 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

the meeting continued and many were converted. Broth- 
er Bowles' soul was "baptized anew for the good work, and 
his spiritual armor was burnished for the contest; and 
the brethren had got well into the spirit of a revival. He 
had now been in that vicinity for some time, labored ex- 
tensively and seen his labors wonderfully blessed. 

23d, he took his leave of the brethren, leaving many 
still inquiring the way to Zion, and went to Rhode Island 
Corners, intending to organise a church of the Tree Will 
Baptist Order in that place. What was his disappoint- 
ment when he found some trials existing among them ! 
"What these trials were, he does not tell us ; but after con- 
siderable effort on the part of brother Bowles and some 
•of the brethren, the trials were removed, union restored, 
and a good spirit took possession of each heart. He then 
organized a church, called it the First Free Will Baptist 
Clmrch of Hinesburg, He spent several days in visiting 
from house to house during the day, and holding meet- 
ings m the evening, Sabbath, 27th, he rode several miles 
in a severe storm, to an appointment — preached twice du- 
ring the day, and had a prayer meeting in the evening ; 
and staid with brother Wilcox that night. 28th, he vis- 
ited brother Tyler, and enjoyed a good season in the fam- 
ily, and found several under deep conviction ; which 
caused a deeper interest in his own heart. 29th, went to 
Willisten, and in the evening attended a meeting at John 
Taylor's ; there was a large congregation present, and 
some interest manifested. 30th, he preached in the eve- 
ning at Hinesburg. 

May 1st, he preached at brother Michael's, in Shel- 
bourne. He spent several days in this vicinity, exhorting 
:and praying from house to house, during the day, and 
preaching during the evening in this place. Among oth- 






OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 37 

«er families which he visited, was that of brother Irish, 
whose wife had just embraced religion. He next preach- 
ed at Hinesburg Hill, where the mighty power of the 
gospel was manifested in a glorious manner ; some were 
ho intensely affected that they were unable to keep their 
seats, and in the midst of the sermon they fell upon their 
knees and cried for mercy ; they continued for a long- 
time in this position, when at last they made a full sur- 
render to Christ, and obtained a rich pardon of all their 
sins. The enemies of the Cross of Christ were dreadfully 
alarmed about their spiritual condition, and began to fear 
that an awful retribution awaited them in the judgment ; 
while the old saints began to rejoice and gather new cour- 
age in the conflict. Sabbath, he went one mile to his 
appointment, and met a large congregation, so large that 
nearly one half were obliged to remain out of the house. 
He stood in the door and preached, so that the people 
were enabled to hear out as well as in the house. In the 
evening he attends a prayer meeting in the same place : 
the house was full, the brethren were well engaged, and 
became so interested, that many of the congregation left 
the house mocking, and saying that it was all wild fire ; 
but they soon returned. Elder Dodge gave an exhorta- 
tion, and Elder Bowles followed him, and many were 
deeply convicted of their sins. 5th, he went to Williston 
and held a meeting in the evenings until the 9th, contin- 
uing his visits during the day time. One woman: seemed, 
almost in a state of despair ; which caused him to ear- 
nestly wrestle in prayer in her behalf ; he pointed her to. 
the Cross, and urged the necessity of immediate submis- 
sion to God. He then left them and went on through 
Richmond to Bolton, and spent the night with brother- 
Webster* 10th, he went to Waterbwy > and dined with 



38 -LiFE, LABOES, AND TEAVELS, 

Judge Butler ; his visit was pleasant and he presented 
the gospel as the theme of his conversation. Thus we 
see that some, in high stations of life, are not ashamed to 
associate with those even of a despised caste. How much 
more honorable and manly, to welcome this representa- 
tive of a persecuted race, to his social board, than Phar- 
isee-like, spurn him with contempt from his presence, as 
many of our Northern mushroom aristocracy too often do. 
Thousands who have despised his race, may see the time 
when they will be glad to be benefitted by the prayer of 
even a black man. Many who would not listen to the 
gospel as it falls from African lips, may desire, when it 
is too late, to enjoy the seat of the despised in the Para- 
dise of God. In the afternoon he went to brother Hunt- 
ley's, in Duxbury, and spent the night. 

Sabbath, 11th, he attended meeting at Duxbury, and 
preached twice during the day, and attended a prayer 
meeting in the evening ; a man and his wife resolved to 
become christians ; and others felt the necessity of relig- 
ion. Elder Bowles always found some in this place, like 
those in Sardis, whose garments were not defiled, and who 
always found access to the Throne of Grace. He spent 
the 12th in this place, being quite unwell. The 13th, he 
went through Middlesex, Montpelier, Bolton, to "Water- 
bury, and spent the night with brother E. Cheney. In 
the evening many came in to enjoy his society. How 
often has the christian family circle seemed to those who 
enjoyed his presence, like that- little one in Bethany. — 
Such a man as Elder Bowles, finds but little time for idle- 
ness ; if not delivering his message from the pulpit to the 
solemn congregation, he is imparting the no less needful 
instruction in social conversation. He spent several days 
m Washington, Corinth, and Orange. 



03? ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 39 

Sabbath, June 1st, lie preached at the house of brother 
l^homas. A powerful effort was produced on the congre- 
gation ; several came forward for prayers, and some found 
u Him of whom Moses and the prophets wrote ;" while 
wanderers began to find themselves in a strange land, and 
well nigh starved with the famine which was sore upon 
them. The 5th, he visited Mr. Stevens, who was labor- 
ing under deep conviction. He found him resolved to 
persevere to the end; he enjoyed a happy season with 
•him in prayer. The 7th, he went to "W'heelock, to attend 
the "Wheelock Quarterly Meeting. He preached the in- 
troductory sermon, and enjoyed much of the divine pres- 
ence. He stopped while here, at brother Eandall's. The 
ministers were in good fellowship, and all seemed intent 
on building each other up in the holy faith. Sabbath, 8th, 
Elders Bachelor and Quimby preached the word to the 
people in power and With the spirit of their mission ; El- 
der Bowles gave an exhortation, and others followed with 
strong confidence in God. ; 

At the time of this Quarterly Meeting, Elder Colby, 
whose health had been failing for some time, lay as ma- 
ny feared, at the point of death. Elder Colby says, " My' 
friends soon, however, found that all was in vain ;, my 
stubborn cough was not to be checked by the virtues ot 
medicine, nor were my disordered lungs to be healed by 
'the power of it ; almost every person now despaired oi J 
tiny recovery. The first week in June, it was evident that 
I was failing faster than usual ; my cough became ex- 
tremely distressing, which, together with the weakness 
and pressure on my lungs and uncommon shortness of 
breath, made it appear and not without reason, that I should 
soon breath my last." Elder Daniel Quinby began to 
believe, while thinking of brother Colby's case, the loss of 



40 LIFE, LABOKS ? AMD TRAVELS, 

such a laborer in the gospel field, that the direction giver 
in the 5th chapter of James, 14th and 15th verses would r 
so far from being presumption r be applicable to his case. 
He believed that if Elders Charles and Nathaniel Bowles, 
Joseph Quinby and himself could visit him y and Elder 
Charles Bowles, could exercise, faith in such a prayer, 
that Elder Colby would be raised. These views he com- 
municated to the above named brethren, all of whom as- 
sented to the proposal except brother Charles Bowles-y who 
had no faith in the matter, considering him so near the 
grave that he thought it of no* use to make sruch an effort, 
which was to all appearance raising the dead. But after 
considerable entreaty they all determined to go and see 
Elder Colby ; oaa the 9th of June they started for Sutton. 
Brother Colby writes, " Sund xj evening,. June 8th, my 
father returned from "Wheelocx Quarterly !Teeting 7 and 
after relating what a wonderful season they had had, he 
mentioned over the Elders who attended ; they were men 
with whom I was well acquainted, men who had been 
made near to me. During the night I reflected how that 
I had tried means to regain my health, by following the 
directions of one and another, but that I had never followed" 
the direction of James, (in the above named chapter,) — 
"Is any among you sick," &c. My mind had been much' 
exercised on this subject for some time, and now I resolv- 
ed to put it in practice. Next morning, my father came- 
into my room, and I told him what I was about to da. 
He seemed very much rejoiced, and very strong in the 
faith that it was of the Lord. I asked him whom I should 
get to go and call for the Elders of the church, and here- 
plied that he would go himself; and while he was pre- 
paring, the very four Elders I had selected, came on 
Jaw-pose to pray for my life, as they informed me." The 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 41 

farther proceedings of these brethren are detailed more 
at length by others, than by brother Colby. When the 
brethren arrived and found the remarkable coincidence' 
even then brother Bowles had no faith to pray for brother 
Colby's recovery ; bat the brethren began to pray, not for 
brother Colby, for none had faith enough to pray for him ; 
but all looked to brother Bowles, whose mighty prevail- 
ing power in prayer, had been abundantly witnessed by 
them all, and on too many occasions, now to doubt its ef- 
ficacy, provided he could get confidence that it was God's 
will to hear his prayer. These brethren continued to pray 
for brother Charles Bowles, whose mind remained the 
same until the last brother had nearly finished his pray- 
er, when brother Bowles began to feel a labor of soul for 
brother Colby, and could hardly wait until the brother 
had finished. When he had finished, brother Bowles be- 
gan to lift his heart to God, in strong confidence, and 
with the utmost assurance that his prayer would be heard 
and the sick restored. Their united prayers continued 
one hour and a half, during which time, brother Colby 
says, " I felt the power and spirit of the Lord God upon 
me, and before they had done praying, every pain of body 
left me ; I felt perfectly happy, calm and as free from 
pain as I ever did in my life. * * * * 
I believe that I began to amend from that hour, I breath- 
ed much easier, and my cough began to abate. 

This certainly was a remarkable case, and it bears ev- 
ery appearance of a Divine interposition. Remarkable 
too, that no one had confidence in the prayers of any, 
save in the son of Ham ; that dark Ethiopian, despised 
and abused as he often was on account of his color, thoudi 
his influence on earth was small, but in the Court of 
Heaven, his prayers came up clothed with more than mor- 



42 LIFE, LABOES, AND TEAVELS, 

tal energy, pressed their urgent way full up to the Divine 
Throne, arrested the Divine ear and came away with his 
request. His petitions might be spurned on earth, but 
they prevailed with God. 

9th. After visiting some families, and pointing the 
poor mourning souls to the Lamb of God, he left in com- 
pany with Elder Nathaniel Bowles, to go to Sheffield, 
where they preached with good liberty to an attentive 
congregation. Several backsliders and sinners came for- 
ward for prayers ; some four obtained a hope in the Ke- 
deemer, after they had unitedly joined in prayer. 10th, 
they rode to Danville, some 16 miles ; Elder Charles 
Bowles preached with good liberty, and Elder Nathaniel 
followed him in an affecting exhortation. 11th, they 
went to Charlotte and attended meeting in the evening. 
Elder Nathaniel preached with good liberty and Elder 
Charles followed him in exhortation, and much interest 
was manifest in the meeting. They then went to Mont- 
pelier, and spent the night with brother Wheets ; Elder 
Nathaniel left him at this place and went to Northfield, 
Brother Bowles now felt quite lonely, and retired to the- 
forest that he might be alone with God, where he could 
pom- his whole feelings into his ear ; and he found the 
same God which Jacob met, and like him obtained a bles- 
sing. 14th, he attended meeting in Montpelier. "While 
on his way to the meeting his soul seemed much distress- 
ed for the people ; he found but little liberty in preaching, 
and on Monday the 15th, he again retired to the silent 
grove and sought divine aid. That evening he held an- 
other meeting in the place, and began to see some of the 
effects of his anxieties ; so interesting was the meeting 
that it held until day-light. After resting a while, he 
went to another part of the town and attended the funer- 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES, 43 

al of Mr. John Young. He then went to the Four Cor- 
ners, and met a large congregation. 17th, he visited some 
families. 18th, he held another meeting in Montpelier ; 
there appeared but little prospect of good there at present. 
He went to Galas on the 19th and attended a iuneral ; 
he preached in the place in the evening ; there appeared 
some prospect of good in the place, yet his mind was still 
deeply interested for the people at Montpelier Four Cor- 
ners. Saturday, 20th, he visited Elder Page and attended 
a Monthly Conference with the brethren at Calas, and 
enjoyed a refreshing season. Elder Bowles says, " I felt 
to cry aloud that Elder Page might be baptized anew 
with the spirit of his divine mission. 21st. With feelings 
of solemnity he went to Montpelier Four Corners, and 
preached to a large congregation. The .people were at- 
tentive and solemn ; the congregation increased so much 
that the people were obliged to prepare seats in the grove. 
A large congregation heard the word* with deep interest. 
He spent the night with sister Templeton, and enjoyed a 
pleasant interview with the family. He spent some sev- 
eral days at this place and at Calas. Sabbath, 29th, he 
preached to about &ve hundred, he had rather an unin- 
teresting time in the forenoon; but he says, " in the after- 
noon the waters began to flow, the spirit gave a lift, my 
soul caught the fire and the wheels rolled easy." July 11th, 
he took leave of the brethren, with whom he had spent 
four weeks, and seen many converted and reclaimed, and 
had had the privilege of baptizing many and joining them 
to the church. 12th, he went to Middlesex. 13th, he 
preached twice ; brothers Dodge and Huntley attended 
with him. After the afternoon service he rode six miles 
and preached in the evening. 14th, and 15th, he spent 
at Duxbury in company with brothers Irish and Huntley ; 



44 LIFE, LAB0KS, AND TKAVELS, 

much interest was manifested in his meetings in this place. 
After preaching on the 15th, he organized a Church and 
established a Monthly Conference ; the church was called 
the " First Free Will Baptist Church in Duxbury," and 
was composed of ten members. 

20th, he preached in Duxbury twice, Elders Manard 
and Huntley being with him. In the afternoon one person 
obtained a pardon of sin, and "rejoiced with joy unspeak- 
able and full of glory." After the afternoon meeting he 
went to Waterbury and spent the night with Judge But- 
ler. 21st, he preached at Duxbury in the evening. 22d. 
lie started on a journey toward the lake, passed through 
Bolton, and stayed on the night of the 23d. 24th, he 
attended the funeral of sister Carmel of Kichmond, Elder 
Webster preached and he exhorted ; much solemnity rest- 
ed on the people. He went on to Hinesburg and attend- 
ed meeting in the evening ; having no appointment, his 
coming was quite unexpected, but he found the brethren 
assembled in a school-house for prayer meeting, who were 
greatly rejoiced at his coming. 

Sabbath, 27th, two ministers attended with him. In 
the evening he attended prayer meeting, and enjoyed a 
refreshing season. 28th, he rode eight miles to Hunting- 
ton to an appointment, and spent the night with brother 
Duffee ; he and his wife having been somewhat backslid- 
den, were revived, through the influence of brother Bowles. 
29th, he visited some families, in company with brother 
Duffee, and sucseded in awakening some interest in the 
minds of the brethren ; and in the evening meeting, much 
anxiety was manifest for a revival of the work of redemp- 
tion. 30th, he went to Shelbourne and preached free 
salvation to a large assembly. 31st, he preached in Eich- 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 45 

inond ; the same revival spirit was still alive and burning 
in the hearts of the brethren. 

August 1st, he went to "Williston and visited some six 
or eight families on the road ; thereby learning the state 
of the people and getting prepared for his appointment ; 
arriving at the house, he spoke to the people with much 
liberty. 2d, he attended meeting at Shelbourne, and es- 
tablished a monthly meeting, and organised a church, in 
connection with Elder Webster. 

Sabbath, 3d, he attended meeting with the new church ; 
a large congregation assembled. Elder Webster preached 
in the morning, and Elder Bowles in the afternoon ; some 
souls seemed awakened, and one found the Pearl of Great 
Price. He met here some of his old friends from ISTew 
Hampshire. In the evening he attended prayer meeting 
with the brethren ; which proved to be a Bethel to ma- 
ny souls ; three sought and found the Savior, and sang 
the song of redemption on the banks of deliverance; 
while others were heard to utter the cry that fell upon 
the ear of Paul, from the trembling tongue of the aston- 
ished jailor ; and the old brethren rent the air with the 
song that floated in melodious sweetness o'er the plains of 
Judeah, when the star pointed to the manger, where lay 
the World's Only Hope. 4th, he undertook to perform 
some manual labor for brother Irish ; but being exposed 
to a severe rain he took cold, and was obliged to desist. 
He then went to Charlotte, and visited some families, 
which appeared to give him as much delight as it did to 
sound salvation in the public congregation ; and if we 
may judge from his journals, much of his success may 
be attributed to his private conversation. And this mode 
of labor must be very useful to all ministers, as it gives 
them such access to their hearers as they cannot obtain 



46 LIFE, LAB0ES, AND TRAVELS, 

in the public discourse, and it also gives him a knowl- 
edge of the state of his hearers, which affords him mat- 
ter for his public discourses ; and certainly no man can 
so well benefit his hearers, as he can by knowing just 
the state of all of their minds. 6th, he attended meeting 
in the evening, which was attended with much of the Di- 
vine power of the gospel ; the brethren were thoroughly 
aroused to a full sense of their obligations in the great 
work of Salvation ; some thirty resolved to seek peace and 
reconciliation with God ; so that all might say with good 
old Jacob, " The Lord is in this place," but unlike him 
they were aware of his presence. The interest which had 
been manifest on this occasion seemed to extend in many 
directions. He continued his labors here for several days 
and witnessed a good revival of religion, in which many 
were reclaimed and converted ; which rejoiced his heart 
exceedingly. 

Sabbath, 10th, he went to Huntington and preached 
twice during the day in a school house, and attended a 
prayer meeting in the evening at brother Duffee's. Here 
also some were deeply convicted of their sins, and came 
forward to be prayed for. He continued his labors in 
this place some four days, preaching and visiting. In this 
way he was enabled to sound salvation to many who did 
not attend his meetings. His labors were constant and 
unremitting, when he was not employed in one way, he 
was in another, and like Paul, " he ceased not day or 
night to warn every man." 14th, he went to Richmond 
and attended a meeting in which he enjoyed much liber- 
ty, and the divine blessing still attended his labors ; for 
in this meeting some were powerfully convicted of their 
sins, while three found peace with God through our Lord 
Jesus Christ. From this place he went to Duxbury,. and 






OF ELD. CHAKLES BOWLES. 47 

as lie traveled visited many houses, in all of which he 
found more or less seeking the way of life. 16th, he at- 
tended the Monthly Meeting at Duxbury with Elder Hunt- 
ley and the brethren, and enjoyed a refreshing season. He 
spent the night with Elder Huntley, where he enjoyed a 
praying season with the neighbors. 

Sabbath, 17th, he preached in Duxbury in the morning, 
and Elder Manard in the afternoon; after which they 
broke bread to the church, and enjoyed much of the heav- 
enly influence of the Savior's dying love, which those 
broken emblems symbolize in such a lively manner. The 
monuments of Egypt stood upon their deep foundations, 
pointing their heads towards heaven, to perpetuate, in 
dumb language, their builders, long since forgotten. But 
these simple emblems are never seen, bat they call, in all 
their freshness, to our minds, the name and sufferings of 
the author of our holy religion, and send a thrill through 
each soul that unites it in a closer affinity with Him whose 
death they symbolize. It appears that he labored in this 
place until the 19th. He says, at this time he began to 
feel anxious about his family, which he had left, to per- 
suade his fellow-men to be reconciled to God. 

It appears that, though he labored very successfully in 
the gospel, the brethren whose spiritual interests he pro- 
moted did not see that his temporal wants were supplied, 
for he has been known to labor all night in the corn field, 
and then go and attend his appointments on the next day. 
Too many of our brethren have and still do plead a " free 
gospel," as a cloak to their covetousness. They will see 
their ministers toil on in poverty and distress, while they 
are hoarding up their thousands, and the only answer lie 
receives from them is, " trust in the Lord brother, he 
will reward you." It is true that God fed Elijah by the 



48 LIFE, LABOES, AND TEAVELS, 

ravens, but did any of those brethren know of his send- 
ing to a minister from heaven, a barrel of flour ? Why 
do they not furnish the minister with provisions for his 
family, and trust in God for their pay ? Some of them 
are as Elder John Buzzell said they were, he said on a 
certain occasion, that " some "brethren had rather pray 
two hours than give a shilling for any cause /" 22d, he 
went on through Bolton and Richmond to Huntington ; 
visiting as he went, comforting the saints, encouraging the 
converts, praying with the mourning souls and pointing 
sinners to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of 
the world. He preached in the evening at a school house, 
and spent the night with brother Amos Dike ; he found 
Mrs. Bike under deep conviction, so that new work was. 
before him ; he bowed at the throne of grace and plead 
in her behalf. Thus we find him always ready for the 
work — always prepared either to preach, exhort or pray T 
in public or in private. 23d, he went to Shelbourne, and 
preached in the evening ; staid during the night with El- 
der Reed, and enjoyed a good visit. 24th, he attended 
meeting at Shelbourne, in company with brother Manard 
and brother Heath ; brother Manard preached in the mor- 
ning, and brother Heath exhorted in the afternoon ; Elder 
Bowles preached, and after sermon he and Elder Manard 
administered the sacrament. It was a refreshing time for 
the church. They held a prayer meeting in the evening, 
of which he says, " the power of Elijah's God was in our 
midst ; many were deeply convicted, and bowed before 
God to seek mercy and salvation at His hand." 

20th, he, with the two brethren, preached to a large 
congregation, and bajDtized five happy converts. Thus he 
labors on, convicting, converting, baptizing, and organi- 
zing churches, being an instrument of much good, to the 



OF ELD. CHAELES BOWLES. 49* 

people where he goes. 26th, he, with Elder Manard vis- 
ited from house to house ;. in the afternoon they went to 
Hinesburg, attended a meeting and baptized six happy 
souls, as the fruits of his labors in that region. 27th, he 
went to Shelbourne and attended meeting at the house of 
sister Irish ; the brethren got well engaged in the work, 
and a good spirit began to animate every heart. He then 
went to Huntington, and attended meeting in the evening 
with Elder Thomas, from Stowe. Saturday, 30th, he met 
the brethren in their Monthly Meeting, and enjoyed a 
good meeting. Sabbath, 31st, he preached at brother 
Durfee's, two souls obtained a pardon for all of their sins, 
and sang the song of redemption. In the evening he at- 
tended a prayer meeting at brother Haskins, where the 
same spirit seemed to characterize the meeting ; one soul 
was brought into gospel liberty. He spent the 31st with 
the brethren in visiting the families in the place, and 
searching out those who had been awakened, with whom 
he conversed and prayed. 

September 2d, he went, in company with brother He w- 
ett to hear Elder Beeman a Methodist minister, after which 
they visited brother Haskins, who lay very sick. They 
then went to brother Durfee's, and brother Hewett preach- 
ed, to the people. 4th, he preached in the evening at the 
same place. The 6th and 7th, he spent in Shelbourne, 
preaching and visiting. Sabbath, 7th, he preached in 
Charlotte, where the gospel found its way to many hearts ; 
some thirty came forward for prayers, and some of them 
obtained a pardon of their sins. It must have been high- 
ly encouraging to this holy man of God, to have his labors- 
so wonderfully blessed with the conversion of, his fellow- 
men. The 9th, he went to Williston and preached the 
funeral sermon for Mr. Thatcher, He went the 10th, iB, 



50 LIFE, LABORS, AKD TRAVELS, 

company with brother Benson and wife, to attend a Camp 
Meeting, where he spent some two days with but little 
profit or satisfaction. He preached one sermon at the 
meeting, and enjoyed a communion season with a large 
number of Methodist ministers. 12th, he went to Hun- 
tington and attended a meeting ; after which, nine breth- 
ren and sisters agreed to unite themselves in Church ca- 
pacity. 13th, he attended meeting in the same place and 
one more joined the infant church. And the prospect 
seemed very encouraging for raising up a large church in 
this place. 

14th, he felt resting upon him great responsibility, and 
felt quite anxious to see his labors successful in the vine- 
yard of the Lord. He went to Mr. Remington's where he 
preached twice, and saw the conversion of one woman, and 
four or five backsliders were reclaimed. In the evening 
he held a prater meeting at the house of brother Rowe's : 
many came out to hear the word of truth, from many of 
the faithful witnesses of Christ. 15th, he went to visit 
several anxious inquirers, and encouraged and instructed 
them in relation to the things of the kingdom. He found 
some who had obtained a rich reward for all their self- 
denial. All of which seemed to encourage the little church 
which had been established in this place. In his family 
visits, he found a warm reception at brothers Hart, Dur- 
fee, and many other places. 

On the 19th, he went to a school house, and preached 
to a large congregation in the afternoon, where much so- 
lemnity and interest was manifested, and some sought the 
Redeemer. In the meeting, he received a line from a 
brother, stating that his wife was laboring under deep 
conviction, and he feared that she would become deranged. 
And while the brethren were engaged in prayer, this broth- 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 51 

er and his wife came into the meeting, when all with one- 
accord lifted their hearts to the Throne of Grace, and pre- 
sented their petitions to that Clod, who "Will not quench 
the smoking flax, nor break the bruised reed." That God 
who in the still small voice, as well as in the deafening 
thunder, and the heaven-jarring earthquake, heard the ag- 
onies of those souls bent in prayer, around the mercy seat, 
and spake the life-giving word, "Thy sins are forgiven 
thee, go and sin no more." This victory caused a shout 
to ascend from the camp of Israel, up to the gates of 
heaven, was caught up by the angelic choir, and rolled in 
one loud hallelujah full on the Eternal Throne. The awa- 
kening influence of divine power was manifest in the meet- 
ing, old backsliders began to think of the richly laden 
hoard, which they had left far away in their father's house 
— to feel the power of the mighty famine that was begin- 
ning to be felt in Babylon — were seen, with their heads 
bowed down in shame and humility, approaching the 
once forsaken doors of that home, that had given them so- 
much, happiness; the father runs to meet them, in joy 
and penitence they clasp each other in fond embrace — the 
fatted calf is slain, and songs of redeeming grace and 
dying love go swelling toward the city of the New Jeru- 
salem. But there is trouble in the devil's camp — his le- 
gions have been sadly defeated — some of his best men 
have deserted him — he stirs up the rest to deeds of wick- 
edness, and some run from the meeting crying, " vnld 
fire!" It was such fire as their pride and selfisness could 
not well stand, for the " arrows were sharp in the hearts 
of the king's enemies, whereby they fell under." 

20th, he went to Shelbourne, and spent several days in 
his usual way of visiting and preaching. Several were 
converted during his stay. 26th, he preached in Hines- 



52 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

burg ; on the 27th, returned to Huntington, and preached 
twice to a large congregation. He says, " The great gos- 
pel trump was blown, and the brethren began to get ready 
for the battle of the Lord." In the evening he attended 
meeting in the same place, and one was converted. 28th, 
he went to Starksboro, and preached with good suc- 
cess ; one was converted. 29th, he went to Hinesburg, 
to attend a Church Meeting ; some difficulty had got into 
the church ; and when danger approached the church, it 
always touched his heart, and aroused his sympathies. — 
The peace and prosperity of the church was as dear to 
him as the apple of his eye ; and when discord made its 
appearance, he was always ready to give council and hush 
to silence the elements of strife. He found some hardness 
of feeling existing among the brethren ; but after much 
labor, it was all settled, and peace and harmony restored. 
He spent the night at brother Titus'. 

October 3d, he left Hinesburg, after laboring a few days 
in setting the church in order, and went to Starksboro, 
and preached in the afternoon. Some in the house began to 
cry for mercy, and came to him after meeting and told him 
of their distress of mind, and requested that he should pre- 
sent their cases at the Throne of Divine Mercy. 4th, he 
went to Charlotte and attended Monthly Meeting with 
the brethren, where he enjoyed a refreshing season, and 
iound the church well united and laboring together for 
the salvation of their fellow-men. In the evening he went 
to brother Paris' and attended meeting with brother Bee- 
man, a Methodist preacher. How much better it would 
be for the world if all christians would lay aside their sec- 
tarian prejudices, and labor heart and hand for the spread 
of the .common faith ! How much better it would be, if 
there was less sectarianism preached, and more gospel ! 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 53 

But how often do we find, that when one denomination 
commences some meetings in a place, and gets np a little 
interest, another denomination will put in appointments, 
and endeavor to oust the previous preacher ; and two de- 
nominations can seldom hold a protracted meeting togeth- 
er, without engendering hard and unkind feelings before 
the converts are all sectored. 

5th, being under some trials of mind, he had recourse 
to that Being who has said, "If any lack wisdom, let him 
ask of God, who giveth liberally and upbraidetn not ;" 
and found peace to his soul. He then went to sister Irish's, 
and preached twice to a large cangregation, with much 
liberty ; and as the fruits of his labors, one soul came 
into the liberty of the gospel, and four or five bore testi- 
mony to the goodness of God, which they had recently 
witnessed in their own experience. 8th, he went to Hun- 
tington, and attended Monthly Meeting at brother Koss' ; 
the brethren appeared much engaged in the cause of God, 
and thirteen brethren and sisters related their religious 
exercises, and offered themselves for baptism. Who bap- 
tized these converts he does not say, but doubtless they 
were baptized by brother Bowles. 

From this time until the 15th of December, he labored 
in this region ; preaching and visiting from house to house, 
witnessing much of the divine display of the glorious pow- 
er of the gospel. During this time near one hundred and 
fifty souls found redemption in the blood of the Lamb, 
and were enabled to sing the song which none others can 
sing. In these labors he was attended by brother Manard, 
and with him attended eight or ten baptismal scenes, where 
many happy spirits sealed forever their allegiance to the 
Prince of Peace. What is more beautiful than to see some 
;8core of newly redeemed souls, stand ranged side by side. 



54: LIFE, 

near some placid lake, whose gently rolling waves break 
in music whispers at their feet, inviting them to bathe 
their consecrated bodies beneath its limpid waters. And 
beside them stands the servant of the Divine Bedeemer, 
his head uncovered, while the gentle breeze wafts over hill 
and dale, the holy accents that fall from his lips, and the 
song of joy which wells up from happy hearts. And to 
witness that group follow their Lord and Master down in- 
to the watery grave, receive the emblem of death to the 
world, and a ressurrection to newness of life. 

His labors in that region endeared him to many chris- 
tian hearts, some of whom have fallen sweetly asleep in 
Jesus, and some remain until this day. He met with 
some frigid looks and discouraging words, and some still 
sterner opposition ; but he could say with the Apostles to 
the Gentiles, " none of these things move me, neither 
count I my life dear unto myself, so that I may finish my 
course with joy, and the ministry which I have received 
of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of 
God." And to the brethren he could say, "I have cov- 
eted no man's gold or silver ;" and to all, " I have not 
shunned to declare all the council of God." He labored 
not for & popular influence^ or to lord it over God's herit- 
age, but his aim was to do all the good he could, and aid 
others to do the same. 

December 16th, he went to Hinesburg to visit the little 
church there, and council and encourage them in the holy 
warfare. He next visited Duxbury, and spent a few days 
with the brethren, in preaching and visiting ; though he 
speaks of ill health for some days, but not enough to in- 
duce him to lay by the gospel armor. 23d, he is now 
about taking his leave of this part of the country for a 
season. The parting scene was truly affecting ; the breth- 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES.. 55 

Ten and sisters gathered around him to take the parting 
hand ; and as they gazed on his dark face, many could 
devoutly thank God, that he had ever come among them 
to sound salvation to perishing sinners. And others there 
were, who had heard his sermons, his prayers, and his ex- 
hortations, all unheeded; to them he could not say fare- 
well ; for he had no evidence that would be their happy 
lot. He had now labored seven months in this region, 
and had organized four churches ; one in Hinesburg of 
nineteen members ; one in Shelbourne of twenty-two ; one 
in Huntington of sixty ; and one in Duxbury of twelve. 
And he had seen converted under his labors, more than 
two hundred souls. He certainly had great cause of re- 
joicing in the redeeming power of the glorious gospel of 
the ever blessed God. As an evangelist, he was abund- 
antly successful, and is now reaping his rich reward for 
all his toils. 

24th, he preached in Richmond, and then went to Bol- 
ton, where he was warmly received by Elder Huntley and 
other christian friends. In the evening he preached in the 
place, and was greatly rejoiced to find the brethren so 
warmly engaged in the^cause of Christ. 25th and 26th, 
he attended meetings in the place. 27th, he met the 
brethren in Monthly Meeting, where he enjoyed a happy 
season, and had the pleasure of seeing several added to 
the church. He remained in the place for some days, at- 
tending meetings with brother Huntley, and hearing often 
the cry for mercy, and the song of deliverance from souls 
made white in the blood of the Lamb. And thus the end 
of the year, found him still laboring in the gospel field ; 
unwearied and undis courage d ; daily making new con- 
quests over the enemy's hosts, and increasing the power 
and friends of Zion. How pleasing would be the reflec- 
tion of every minister, to look over the past year and find 
two hundred souls converted by their labors. 



CHAPTER V\ 

1818 — His Feelings — A Communion Season — Attends the Strafford 
Quarterly Meeting — The Huntington, Hinesburg and Shelbourne 
Churches Received into the Huntington Quarterly Meeting — Broth- 
er Kimpton begins to Preach — Goes to Washington — Mr, Clark Con- 
verted in Answer to his Prayer — Has a Combat with a Christian 
Minister. 

January 1st, 1818, he says, " I felt to day to rejoice in 
view of the abundant goodness of God, in blessing me so 
wonderfully during the past year ; and I am resolved to 
dedicate myself anew to His cause ; and to get more of 
his divine love in my heart, for another year's campaign 
in this glorious warfare." 

Sabbath, 4th, he attended meeting in Duxbury, in com- 
pany with brothers Manard and Huntley, and after the 
afternoon service, they administered the communion to 
the church, and enjoyed a heavenly season. In the even- 
ing they held a prayer meeting, where much of the pow- 
er of truth was manifested. Here he met Elder Nathaniel 
Bowles and wife, on their way to Huntington. He says, 
u The appearance of brother Nathaniel, was like the com- 
ing of Titus to his brethren." About this time he was 
called to part with his wife. Doubtless he felt the be- 
reavement, which had fallen so suddenly upon him, but 
it was doubtless a relief to him, for she had proved a se- 
vere trial to him, not only in the ministry, but in the 
sacred relation of husband and wife, and given him abun- 
dant reason to question her fidelity. He says o^ this 
bereavement, " I hope that she has made a happy change." 



.OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 57 

After attending several meetings with Nathaniel Bowles, 
they went to Huntington. On the 15th, they attended 
meeting at brother Gillet's $ brother Charles preached and 
brother Nathaniel gave an exhortation ; quite an interest 
was manifested in the meeting. They stayed that night 
with brother Shaduck. 

Sabbath, 18th, they attended meeting at the school 
house, where were gathered some three hundred people. 
Brother Nathaniel preached in the forenoon ; after which, 
they repaired to the water-side, and brother Charles led 
some converts down into the liquid wave, in imitation of 
our Divine Redeemer. Brother Charles preached in the 
afternoon ; they then attended to the Ordinance, which 
our Savior instituted on the evening previous to his cru- 
c ifixion. Although this Ordinance has been celebrated * 
hundred thousand times, yet it is never contemplated 
without feelings of grateful remembrance. The mind al- 
ways lingers around Calvary with feelings of sympathy, 
commingled with holy joy, at the scenes which transpired 
upon its sacred top. 'The Garden, Pilate's Hall, the rug- 
ged nails, the cruel mockery, and the Eloi, Eloi, lama 
sabbacthani, all rush upon the mind with the same fresh- 
ness that they did centuries ago. 

19th, they left and went to Richmond, and attended 
meeting ; Elder Charles preached and enjoyed much lib- 
erty in speaking. They went to Elder Webster's and 
spent the night. 20th, they went to Waterbury and preach- 
ed. 21st, they went to Duxbury and attended meeting 
with Elder Huntley. 22d, he went to Washington, and 
stayed with brother Sleeper, where he met his son. 

24th, he went to Strafford to attend the Quarterly Meet- 
ing. In the evening he preached at brother Kimball's, 
35th, a large congregation collected, and Elder Bowie* 



S$ LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

preached"; in the afternoon Elder Clark preached ; the 
meeting was quite interesting. He stayed with brother 
Haeket that night ; here he found a sister, who was so 
deeply convicted six years previously, by hearing him 
pray, that she never lost the impression, nntil she became 
a christian. He visited Tunbridge, Chelsea, Williams- 
town and "Washington, in all of which he preached and 
labored with some good results. 31st, he went to Cor- 
inth, where he found the brethren in rather a low state. 

Sabbath, February 1st, he and Elder Bachelder attend- 
ed meeting with the people ; Elder Bachelder preached 
in the forenoon, and he preached in the afternoon. He 
spent several days in Corinth, in company with Elders 
Bachelder, and Nathaniel Bowles, who had again joined 
him in this place ; they endeavored to excite an interest 
in the minds of the brethren, and to urge upon them the 
necessity of a closer walk with God. 

7th, he went to Sutton to attend the Vermont Yearly 
Meeting. The various Quarterly Meetings, reported some 
cheering news ; some progress in the great moral warfare, 
Many brethren were permitted to greet each other again 
in the flesh, and cheer each other on in the heavenly jour- 
ney. 8th, a large congregation assembled, to which El- 
der King preached the word of life, in the spirit of the 
gospel, with a full demonstration of its power. It came 
upon the people, like clouds full of rain upon the parched 
fields ; the hearts of the people were made glad, and sin- 
ners felt their awful responsibility to the God whose mercy 
they had slighted. His journal does not inform us what 
other ministers preached at the Yearly Meeting. After 
the Yearly Meeting, he returned to Corinth, where he la- 
bored until the 12th, when he went to Washington, and 
stayed with brother Sleeper, 



OF ELD. CSAELES BOWLES ■. 59 

14th, he went to Buxbury and attended meeting with 
Elder Huntley, Sabbath, the 15th, where he met a large 
congregation, to whom he proclaimed the word of eternal 
life. On the 16th, he went to Bolton and spent the night 
with brother "Webster* He spent several days in this vi- 
cinity, preaching and visiting. 2lst, he attended the 
Quarterly Meeting. The various reports from the church- 
es, were encouraging, Elder Hacket preached the intro- 
ductory sermon, and some good degree of interest was-' 
manifest in the meeting. Sabbath, 22d, Elder Bachelder 
preached the first sermon, with much power and liberty. 
" Elder Buzzell preached in the afternoon," says Elder 
Bowles, " in his usual powerful manner." 

It appears that this Quarterly Meeting was one of great 
interest ; many persons were deeply convicted of their 
sins, and a goodly number found pardon in the blood of 
the Lamb. The ministers in attendance were Elders ISTa- 
thaniel and Charles Bowles, Buzzell, Bachelder and Hack- 
ett. They scattered their appointments about the neigh- 
borhoods, so that the enemy was besieged on all sides.— 
Elder Bowles says, " After the battle was over I went to 
look up the slain and wounded ; many of each kind were 
found on the various fields. "We brought them in before 
the King to obtain a pardon for their acts of rebellion 
against his government." 

23d, the ministers of the Quarterly Meeting attended 
with him a church meeting at Huntington, to give the 
brethren there some instruction concerning the doctrine 
and discipline of the denomination. Elder "Webster, of 
Bolton, united with the church at this time, and Brother 
Bowles gave him the right hand of fellowship. They 
then went to Iiinesburg, and attended a meeting in a 
school-house. Elder Hackett p*eached, and the other 



• , . 



60 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

brethren followed in exhortation, after which they gave 
the church some instruction in discipline and doctrine, and 
the hand of fellowship. 

24th, they went to Shelbourne, and met the brethren at 
Brother Titus', where they enjoyed a pleasant interview 
in christian society and worship. They then went to the 
east part of the town and met the church at the house of 
Mr. Hill. Here Elder Buzzell preached an interesting- 
sermon, which produced a good effect on the congrega- 
tion. The Elders then gave the church some instruction 
and the right hand of fellowship— commending them to 
God and his mercy. Here the ministers started and re- 
turned home. It appears that these brethren were a 
council appointed to examine, instruct and receive these 
churches into the Quarterly Meeting. 28th, he went to 
Richmond, although the snow was very deep. On his 
way he stopped at Hinesburg, and attended the monthly 
meeting of the church, where he enjoyed an excellent 
meeting. 

Sabbath, March, he attended meeting in the forenoon 
with the Rev. Mr. Jones, a minister of the Universalist 
order. The Elder says that " He preached very well ; 
dwelling upon the love of God to man." In the afternoon 
Brother Bowles preached. Monday being stormy he 
spent the day visiting from house to house, which he con- 
tinued to do with much profit, until the 7th, when Broth- 
er Kimpton carried him to Shelbourne, to attend the month- 
ly meeting. Sabbath, 8th, he preached to a large and 
attentive assembly, and in the evening he met with the 
brethren in prayer meeting. Several in the Congregation 
resolved to become followers of the Lamb, and the old 
saints obtained a new assurance of faith, and were encour- 
aged to press forward in the heavenly journey. 



OF ELD. CHAKLES BOWLES. 61 

9th, he left Shelbourne in company with Brother Kimp- 
ton, and went to Hinesburg and attended a meeting. As 
Brother Kimpton had felt it to be his duty to improve in 
public speaking, Brother Bowles encouraged him to do 
so. They went to Huntington, and on arriving at the 
house of Brother Ross, they met a brother from the Cha- 
tauque Quarterly Meeting, in ]SF. Y., with whom they had 
an excellent visit. Thus it is with the christian heart : 
wherever it finds the spirit of Christ, it finds friends. — 
Come from what point of the compass they may, the same 
spirit and sympathy pervades all hearts. After spending 
several days in this vicinity, he left Brother Kimpton, 
and went to Starksboro and held a meeting on the even- 
ing of the 21st at Brother Remington's. Quite a number 
came forward for prayers, with whom the brethren heart- 
ily joined in a petition to the throne of divine grace, 
which, unlike too many petitions, to civil magistrates, 
found an attentive ear and sympathising heart, and receiv- 
ed a glorious answer. 

22d, he met a large congregation at Huntington, and 
the meeting appeared the most solemn of any he had at- 
tended for a long time. He attended evening meeting* 
until the 28th. Sabbath, he attended meeting in com- 
pany with Elder Manard. Elder Manard spoke in the 
morning, and he in the afternoon. The gospel done its 
work upon the hearts of two, so that they fully resolved 
to be for Christ, and found peace in the meeting. They 
had a prayer meeting in the evening, and some ten rela- 
ted the joys of religion, which they had of late found, and 
one found pardon from sin. 31st, they attended meeting 
at the school-house. After the preaching two related their 
experience for baptism. They then repaired to the wa- 
ter-side, where Elder Bowles baptised five, and Elder Ma- 



62 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

nard four happy souls, who had of late renounced Ci the 
pleasures of sin, to suffer affliction with the people of 
God," having, like Moses, a " respect unto the recom- 
pense of reward." They then gave them the right hand 
of fellowship. 

He now began to turn his attention toward the other 
part of the Quarterly Meeting, (the Corinth,) and after 
preaching in Bichniond, Duxbury and Middlesex, he 
went to "Washington, where he labored and visited until 
the 15 of April. He went to Orange, it being the day of 
the Annual Fast ; he preached at Brother Clark's, and en- 
joyed good liberty in speaking. Elder Nathaniel gave an 
exhortation. He continued his labors in this vicinity for 
about six weeks, and saw much of the power of the Gos- 
pel among the people. Between thirty and forty made 
the happy choice of coming over on the Lord's side, and 
casting in their lot with his people. He baptized some 
twenty, and added them to the church in this vicinity. 
Brother Bowles was remarkably successful in his labors, he 
scarcely ever spent much time in a place without witness- 
ing the conversion of more or less people. 

His soul seemed always to be deeply stirred with an 
interest for perishing man, and he seemed to be almost 
certain of success. He was hardly ever known to fail of 
seeing the conversion of a person, for w,hom his soul was 
drawn out in prayer. There is an incident related of him 
during a revival in Hinesburg : A lady by the name of 
Clark, had manifested a strong dislike toward him ; refu- 
sed to hear him preach, and severely censured others for 
u going to hear the Nigger preach." Brother Bowles call- 
ed on her at one time ; found her in her usual mood tow- 
ard him. He put some questions to her in regard to her 
religious feelings, and received a very short and angry 



0E ELO. CHARLES BOWLES. 68 

answer. After talking a few minutes, he requested the 
privilege of praying with her, to which she made answer 
very ill-temperedly, " I don't care, pray if you want to." 
But he was not to be repulsed from his object in such a 
summary manner. The devil had this time, a bold, fear- 
lesSj and strong enemy to deal with; and one who had 
wrung many a victory from his iron grap. Brother Bowles 
bowed himself before Elijah's God, and standing behind 
the battlements of God's Eternal Law, aimed the pointed 
weapons of Truth full upon her stubborn heart. She 
stood leaning against a window for a while, but the ar- 
rows of conviction pierced her conscience so thick and 
fast, that she soon fell upon her knees, and began to cry 
for divine mercy, humbly confessing all her sins, and de- 
siring the " Nigger," whom she had so recently despised, 
to pray for her. Thus was one, who was supposed to be 
among the hardest, subdued by the power of prayer. — 
Such faith did lie exercise, that he made no calculation 
on disappointments. He lived, walked and talked with 
God. "W~e find him constantly laboring in the good cause. 
]N r o sooner does he finish up his labors in one place, than, 
he is on the wing for another field of labor ; and when he 
arrives, it is not to enjoy the labors of others, but to put 
shoulder to the wheel and roll on the car of salvation. 

June 3d, he left Huntington, and went on visiting and 
praying, through Richmond and Balton to Duxbury, on his 
way to the Corinth Quarterly Meeting* In the evening he 
held a meeting with Elder Huntley and enjoyed much liber- 
ty in proclaiming a crucified and risen Savior. After sermon 
two came forward and told their christian experience, and 
were received into the church. The next day he preach- 
ed again, and two more presented themselves for bap- 
tism ; after which, they retired to the water-side, and he 



^4 LIFEj LABORS, AND TRAVEL, 

led them all down into the liquid wave, and buried them 
as John did our Savior. Some, while witnessing this 
pleasant scene, were deeply convicted of their many sins. 
He had labored much in this town the previous year, and 
now is reaping the fruits of the seed which he then sowed. 

But all the fruits of his labors will not be known, until 
he shall, standing upon some proud eminence in the city 
of the New Jerusalem, witness the "innumerable host 
that shall come up out of much tribulation, having their 
robes washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb ;"' 
and hear the. glorious song of Moses and the Lamb as- it 
rolls from ten times ten thousand tongues, o'er the plains- 
of the Paradise of God. Then shall hundreds who have 
been saved from everlasting woe, seize his black hand and 
thank God for so faithful a servant. 

5th, he left Duxbury and went on to !N"orthneld r to at- 
tend some appointment there, that he might follow up 
the labors of the Quarterly Meeting, which had been held 
there a few weeks previously. But while he was labor- 
ing and anticipating some good in this town r work of a 
different nature was preparing for him elsewhere. He 
ioon received notice ^of a severe trial in the church at 
Washington, and an urgent request to proceed immedi- 
ately to their assistance. He hastened to comply with 
this request, and soon arrived at brother Thomas', where 
lie met some of the brethren, and learned their matter of 
trial* A minister of the Christian order had been among; 
them, sowing seeds of discord, and attempting to divide 
the church. After laboring for some days, he succeeded! 
in removing the trial, and again uniting the brethren irn 
one spirit. l$th, he attended Monthly Meeting with the 
church, where all agreed to maintain the Free Will Bap- 
tist doctrine, and to live in peace and fellowship with 
each other. 



OF ELD. GHAKLES BOWLES. 65 

Sabbath, 14th, hemet a large congregation at the house 
of brother Thomas, in company with Elder Moxley. El- 
der Moxley preached in the morning, with good liberty, 
and Elder Bowles preached in the afternoon from Gala- 
tians 1st, 9th: "If any man preach any other gospel unto 
you, than that ye have received let him be accursed." 
After the evening meeting, he Went to brother French's 
and spent the night in discussing the doctrine of Trinita- 
rianism and Unitarianism. It appears that the debate 
waxed somewhat warm towards morning, though they 
parted in good feelings. Elder Bowles says, that he be- 
gan to fear that he was looking too much at sectarianism^ 
and not enough at the good of souls, and was led to the 
conclusion that even good christians might honestly dis- 



Elder Bowles spent quite a length of time in "Washing- 
ton and the adjacent towns, sometimes in company with 
Elder Hathaniel Bowles, and sometimes in company with 
Elders Bachelder and Carpenter, and saw much good 
done, several found peace in believing and joy in the Ho- 
ly Ghost. 27th, he went to the east part of the town and 
enjoyed a good season, saw some converted, and got his 
mind free from trials, and took new courage to press on 
toward the kingdom. 

Elder Bowles was but poorly calculated- for a life of 
controversy ; he did not like discussion of any kind, and 
had much rather avoid such conflicts. And, in fact, he 
was almost wholly unprepared to meet any form of false 
doctrine. He could do but little more than deny the sen- 
timents of his opponents. But when he fell upon his 
knees, stubborn sinners and proud atheists would tremble 
while he laid hold of the horns of the altar, and sent up 
to the court of heaven his earnest petitions for the convic- 

G 



t)6 LIFE, LABORS, 

tion of adamantine hearts. Here was his strong hold ; 
within this powerful influence it was dangerous for skep- 
ticism to venture. There is an incident related of him 
which will forcibly illustrate the power in prayer, which 
he at times exercised. A sister had been for some time 
sick, and had been anxious to have the brethren visit and 
pray with her ; but her father was a deadly opposer of 
religion, and had on several occasions, driven ministers 
from the house. Brother Bowles was invited to visit her, 
and accordingly went to pay her a visit. After convers- 
ing a while with her, he requested the privilege of pray- 
ing with her ; but she told him that she should be glad to 
"have him pray, but her father was up stairs, and was op- 
posed to having any one pray in the house, and would 
probably come down and abuse him, if not turn him out 
of doors. But he told her that he would risk all the con- 
sequences. He then went into an adjoining house and 
called in several converts, told them to kneel down, and 
lift their silent desires to God, while he prayed ; and said 
he, if the old man comes down, do not arise, but keep 
steadily pleading at the Throne of Grace. Brother Bowles 
"bent himself low before the throne of divine grace, and 
commenced, as he says, " With a full head of water on 
the big wheel, the gates of heaven were opened, and the 
power of God was manifest in the room. I had not pro- 
ceeded far when I heard the old man on the stairs, coming 
down ; I seized hold of the altar with a firmer grasp, and 
cried at the top of my voice, God Almighty Stop Him, 
FASTFtf THE OLD EEBEL ON THE STALES !" He 
finished his prayer unmolested, and left the house. Soon 
after the old man came down, and inquired, " Who had 
been there praying ?" For said he, "I attempted to come 
down and turn him out of doors, but when I had got half 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 6? 

way down, I found I could neither get down nor up, and 

was obliged to stay and hear him through." 
His attention was again called to Huntington ; but what 

were his feelings, when 

"Duty made him understand, 

That he must take the parting hand." 

Therefore, on the 30th, he bade the dear friends in this 
vicinity, farewell, after commending them to the God of 
all Grace ; and passed through Williamstown, Northfield, 
Boxbury, over the mountain to Westfield. Here he had 
quite a controversy with an old Calvanistic Baptist, about 
the " damnation of infants." He says, " God gave me 
arguments, and turned the victory on the side of truth." 
Strange, that any should be so blind as to think that God 
could justly punish beings as innocent as himself ! Can 
they not read that it is against the guily, and them alone, 
that his anathemas are thundered? But the old Cate- 
chism is still remembered, "In Adam's fall, we sinned 
all." But according to their theory, it would read, " In 
Adam's fall, he sinned for all." For certainly, we had 
nothing to do with his fall, and therefore could not sin ; 
he, of course, must have sinned for us. But, certainly, 
every candid mind ought to be satisfied with the declar- 
ation " For of such are the kingdom of heaven." Cal- 
vinism found little favor with him, for he placed the sal- 
vation of all whom the bible addressed as responsible 
beings, upon the ground of their practical obedience to 
Jesus Christ. He did not constantly fill the ears of his 
hearers with the discouraging story that " they could do 
nothing to secure their salvation ;" as though there was 
actual danger of their doing too much ; but he urged up- 
on them the fact that God required from them instant 
repentance, and required it too, on the ground of their 



68 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

abilit to render it, and threatened a non-compliance with 
his di pleasure. 

July 4th, he went to Duxbury, and found the brethren 
well united, who with Elder Huntley, were laboring to- 
gether for the salvation of souls. After preaching with 
them he vent to Richmond, Bolton, and Huntington ; in 
'each of those 'places he found the brethren well engaged. 
Sabbath, 12th, he held meeting in a school-house in Hun- 
tington ; a large assembly of people collected, who list- 
ened attentively to the word of life. 13th, he visited 
Starksboro and Shelbourne. 14th, he attended meeting 
with a Methodist circuit preacher by the name of White. 
Elder "White attended to the ordinance of baptism, and 
Elder Bowles united in the service. He was always ready 
to unite with all christians, where he did not conceive 
that he must sacrifice principle to make the fellowship. 
15th, he held a meeting at brother Durfee's, one woman 
related her experience in the meeting, and dated her 
conviction back some three months, to a relation of his 
experience, which he gave in that place. It turned out 
better with this woman than with Agrippa, when he 
heard Paul's experience, for she was more than " almost 
persuaded to be a christian ;" she had been quite so. 

17th, he spent the day in settling some difficulties in 
the church. For this business he seemed to be highly 
qualified; not by stringent disciplinarian measures, but. 
by making each believe that he had their real interests 
at heart, which undoubtedly was the case,: and thereby 
inducing them to lay aside their jealousies and hatred^ 
and Jove each other as brethren. Again, he always sought 
to heal difiiculties as soon as they appeared, which waa 
much easier than after they had been long standing.— - 
18th, he preached at Richmond, and seemed higly bless- 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 69 

ed with a mighty display of the power of the gospel. 
Some eighteen came forward to be prayed for ; and oth- 
ers found themselves u almost persuaded to be christians." 
19th, he went to Huntington and attended meeting; and ' 
spent two or three days in the place preaching and bap- 
tizing. 22d, he was about starting eastward again, when 
brother Benson arrived with a message for him to go im- 
mediately to Shelbourae, and settle some difficulty which 
had arisen in the church. After obtaining Elder Webster 
to attend his appointments in Duxbury, he left with an 
aching heart to meet more trials among his brethren. Ar- 
riving in the place it was his first -business to visit the ' 
brethren at their firesides, and get their hearts well warm- 
ed with a good spirit, before meeting in church capacity, 
24th, they met in church meeting, and after enjoying a : 
season in prayer, they proceeded to examine the difficul- 
ties, and settle them ; which was not a very difficult matter. 
After spending a short time among the brethren, he 
again started for the east ; preaching on the way in Rich- 
mond and Duxbury. 29th, he again met the friends in 
Washington. He found some rejoicing in the liberty of 
the gospel which they found since he left, and others still 
seeking Him u of whom Moses and the prophets spake." 
Sabbath, August 2d, he preached with the church in 
this place, and continued his labors for some time, preach- 
ing and praying and visiting, as was his custom. . In some 
meetings, especially on Tuesday evening, he enjoyed 
much of the manifestations of the divine goodness. Of 
this meeting he says, a I went to the meeting as Abra- 
ham's servant went to Messapatomia, " to seek a bride for 
my master's son." I had great liberty in opening the 
meeting., I sat two hours in the meeting crying to God 
in my soul, while the brethren were giving in their testi- 



70 LIFE, LABOPwS, AND TRAVELS, 

monies. When I arose the spirit of God came down all 
over me — I cried aloud — God made bare his arm — it was 
a little Pentacostical season — some cried for mercy — four 
souls found peace through faith in Jesus Christ — the poor 
sinner trembled, and the glory of God filled the house.'' 

Sabbath, 7th, he attended Monthly Meeting with the 
brethren, and enjoyed a refreshing season ; some related 
their christian experience for baptism, and were received 
into the church. Elder Nathaniel Bowles preached in 
the morning, from Revelations, 3d, 20, " Behold if any 
man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in and 
sup with him and he with me." And his wife gave a 
weighty exhortation. Elder Charles Bowles at noon bap- 
tized four. He preached in the afternoon and baptized 
nine more. He labored in the place during the following 
week, and the work increased ; many were inquiring the 
way to Zion, with their faces thitherward. But he soon 
found it necessary to leave the work, and go to the Hun- 
tington Quarterly Meeting, for his labors there had result- 
ed in the conversion of several, who now desired to be 
buried with Christ in baptism. 

18th, he preached in Richmond, and baptized several 
converts. He spent several days in Huntington and Char- 
lotte, and on the 22d, he left for the Quarterly Meeting 
held at Randolph. The letters from the churches, as we 
are already prepared to judge, were highly encouraging; 
almost every church could report some revival interest. 
23d, Elder Sweat preached an able sermon from Hebrews 
2d, 3d, "How shall we escape if we neglect so great sal- 
vation V And Elder Webster preached in the afternoon. 
In the evening Elder Buzzell preached, and was f 11 wed 
by Elder Hacket in a powerful exhortation. He tar; ied w th 
brothers Skinner, Kidder and Blanohard, from whom he 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 71 

received much kindness, and some presents with which to 
supply his wants, for which he expressed much thankful- 
ness. After the meeting, he went to Washington and 
baptized several. 

31st, he again returned to Randolph ; in the evening, 
preached at the house of Captain Thompson. The revi- 
val spirit seemed to be in the meeting, and in fact, wher- 
ever he went he was pretty sure of seeing some converted. 
And, black as he was, the people would flock to hear him, 
and God would bless the word though it proceeded from 
a black fountain. Elder Bowles used to say, " If people 
will be blessed by the water of life, they must be willing 
to drink it from a brown bowl." After holding one or 
two meetings in Randolph and Brookfield, he returned to 
"Washington, where he spent the time in preaching and 
visiting until September 12th, when he left to attend the 
Huntington Quarterly Meeting, held at Huntington. Here 
he met a large number of ministers, who had come up 
from the various parts of the Vineyard of the Lord, where 
they had been laboring for the advancement of the Re- 
deemer's kingdom. Here they congregated to enjoy their 
quarterly feast. Elder King was chosen Moderator of 
the Conference ; the letters bore refreshing news from ev- 
ery part of the moral army ; many a victory was reported 
on Zion's side — many a strong hold of the enemy taken — 
and many had abandoned his cause, and thrown their in- 
fluence into the ranks of the Prince of Peace. 

Sabbath, 13th, the congregation was so large that they 
were under the necessity of dividing it. Elder King 
preached to one, in the forenoon, and Elder Hacket to the 
other. Elder King preached from Acts 28 : 22, u But we 
desire to hear thee, what thou thinkest ; for as concern- 
ing this sect, we know that it is everywhere spoken 



72 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

against." He spent several days in the place endeavor- 
ing to follow np the good impressions left by the Quarter- 
ly Meeting. 21st, he arrived at Washington; held one 
meeting, and then went on to New Hampshire far as 
Springfield, and put up at brother Gilman's, where he 
was cordially received, in all the warmth of christian af- 
fection. He spent nine days here, and preached eight 
times. On the Sabbath, the meeting-house was filled to 
overflowing, and the people listened with attention, while 
he blowed the gospel trumpet that had awakened so ma- 
ny from the dead among the Green Mountains of Ver- 
mont. That gospel which had rescued so many from the 
ways of death began to be felt in the Old Granite State ; 
and before he left some had been redeemed from sin, oth- 
ers had been sorely smitten between the joints of the 
harness, and were ready to submit to the Redeemer. But 
he must again be torn from an increasing religious interest 
to attend the Vermont Yearly Meeting held at Corinth. 
Saturday, he preached in the evening, and enjoyed a re- 
freshing time ; many spoke after the sermon. Sabbath, 
Elder King preached an excellent sermon in the forenoon ; 
and Elder Femald followed in an interesting manner in 
the afternoon. The meeting concluded with evident to- 
kens of good. 

5th, he preached at Orange ; the same success still at- 
tended his labors ; many were deeply convicted, and the 
cry of " What shall I do to be saved V was heard from 
many. He continued his labors in this town and Corinth 
until the 11th, when he went to Washington, and met the 
brethren in their Monthly Meeting. Sabbath, he preach- 
ed at brother Sleeper's, and enjoyed good liberty; the 
people listened to hear the truth. After sermon they met 
around the table of our Lord, where he invites all His 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 73 

children to assemble regardless of name and order, and 
received the divine blessing in so doing. 13th, he went 
to "Williamstown and attended to the ordinance of bap- 
tism .; Elder Nathaniel Bowles preached on the occasion. 
After which, he returned to "Washington. 14th, he left 
Washington and went to Montpelier, and preached in the 
evening; spent the night with Elder "Woodworth. 15th, 
he went to Duxbury and met with the brethren, whom he 
found in gospel order, and all overjoyed to shake his 
friendly hand and listen to that strong voice which had 
called so many dead sinners to life. He spent some time 
in laboring in this vicinity, and saw some good accom- 
plished. 

November 2d, he went,to Hinesburg and attended meet- 
ing in the Ehode Island school-house. 5th, he attended 
meeting at Huntington. Elder Stephens preached an ex- 
cellent sermon ; after which two came forward and related 
their experience, were received into the church, and they 
retired to the water, where he plunged them beneath its 
limpid waves, as Phillip did the Eunuch. He preached 
in the evening at brother Agent's. Elder Bowles was 
destined to meet more opposition in the pursuit of his call- 
ing ; he must not expect to wage so open and bold a war- 
fare, in the face of a powerful enemy, with impunity, and 
not be subject to now and then an attack. He met here a 
person who advocated a disregard of the Sabbath, with 
whom he had some controversy; but keeping near the 
Throne of Grace, he was enabled to save the sheep from 
the devouring wolves. 12th, he preached at Huntington 
Gore. In the evening he preached at brother Pratt's. A 
large company nocked to hear the word ; and as it was in 
the days of Job, so it was with this meeting, " Satan pre- 
sented himself," in the form of a number of "lewd fol- 



74 LIFE, LABOES, AND TEAYELS, 

lowers of the baser sort." They at first disgraced the 
poor Indians, by assuming their garb, and then disgracd 
the meeting by appearing in it. Their evident object 
was to disturb the meeting; but such was the power 
of the gospel upon their guilty hearts, that they forebore 
to put in practice their hellish purposes. Several related 
their experiences, and offered themselves for baptism, 
which gave a new impulse to the interest. 

Elder Bowles had given his whole soul to the work of 
Ms Master ; and when danger presented, he did not con- 
sult personal expediency or safety, but looked only at du- 
ty and never hesitated. It was no less his duty to preach 
the gospel did a mob oppose, than to preach amid the 
cheering responses of his brethren. He was not commis- 
sioned to preach where none opposed, and hold his peace 
amid the enemies of the Cross ; for these were the very 
men that his mission was intended to benefit. "When fill- 
ed with the love of God, and a sense of the worth of 
souls, his heart knew no fear — his eye never quailed — his 
voice never faltered. He knew that at the Throne of Di- 
vine Grace he was, through God, more than a match for 
all Ms enemies. 

14th, lie attended Monthly Meeting with the church, 
and found them all walking in gospel order, and in fel- 
lowship with each other. This, especially, rejoiced his 
heart, as he had recently been called on frequent occa- 
sions, to witness a different state of things. 15th, he 
preached with the church, baptized several converts, and 
broke bread to them. The evening meeting was advan- 
cing with a deep interest, when it was announced that "A 
woman was lost in the woods." Christ stayed in his prog- 
ress to Jerusalem, to heal the blind, and they stayed in 
their worship, to search for the lost wife and mother. The 



OF ELD. CHABLES BOWLES. 75 

search continued all night, and in the morning she was 
found. 

We suppose that the greatest stickler for " religious du- 
ties," could not find occasion against the abandonment of 
this religious meeting to rescue that wife and mother from 
distress and starvation. "Why then might not the servant 
of God, utter one word of sympathy for three millions, 
who are in a much worse condition ? Go on, Priest and 
Levite, to Jerico, and attend to your religious cant, the 
Good Samaritan is close at hand. Brother Bowles, whose 
mind was always fruitful and ready to profit by every fa- 
vorable circumstance, seized upon this occasion, to impress 
upon the minds of his audience, that if a woman lost in 
the woods demanded so much sympathy ; how much 
would not their fellow-men all around them demand, who 
were lost in an interminable labryinth of woe and misery ? 
Strange as it may seem, it is nevertheless true, that much 
more thought and effort are bestowed to preserve life, 
than to obtain eternal life beyond this momentary exist- 
ence. The horrors of a death of starvation amid the wild 
beasts of the forest, are terrible to a sympathetic mind ; 
but they are nothing when compared to the death that 
never dies, as that is portrayed in most fearful colors by 
Pollock :— 

" Fast by the side of this unsightly thMg, 
Another was portrayed, more hideous still ; 
Who sees it once shall wish to see't no more. 
For ever undisturbed let it remain ! 
Only this much I may or can unfold — 
For out it thrust a dart that might have made ' 
The knees of terror quake, and on it hung, 
Within the triple barbs, a being pierced 
Thro' soul and body both; of heavenly make, 
■Original the being seemed, but fallen, 



76 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

And worn and wasted with enormous woe. 

And still around the everlasting lance 

It writhed convulsed, and uttered maniac groans, 

And tried and wished, and ever tried and wished 

To die ; but could not. Oh, horrid sight! 

I trembling gazed, and listened, and heard this voice 

Approach my ear — This is Eternal Death." 

17th, lie visited from house to house, and met with 
some of the opposers of the revival, whom he faithfully 
warned from error's dangerous road. In the afternoon he 
attended meeting with Elder Stevens, and heard him 
preach from Isaiah, 12 : 6 : " Cry out and shout, thou in- 
habitant of Zion ; for great is the Holy One of Israel in 
the midst of thee." Some who had been deeply convict- 
ed the evening previous, now personally requested brother 
Bowles to pray for them ; and after preaching they held a 
prayer meeting, in which two were redeemed from sin. 
and made "Heirs of the Grace of Life," while many 
more were brought to consider on their course of life. — 
In company with Elder Stevens, he visited and preached 
through the town . The brethren were much strengthened 
in the ways of holiness and comforted in the Lord. 

25th, he went to Eichmond aad preached in the even- 
ing, and continued his journey on through Duxbury, Mid- 
dlesex and Montpelier, in all of which places he preached. 
December 2d, he arrived at Washington, and although 
he had preached almost every day for a long time, yet he 
entered another meeting on his arrival, and again sounded 
Free Salvation, which was his constant theme and delight. 
Sabbath, he preached at brother Thomas'; the people lis- 
tened attentively. He visited and preached during the 
week at Corinth, Orange and other places. "While here, 
lie met with, to him, a severe loss ; his horse that had 
borne him so many miles, was taken sick and died, leav- 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 77 

ing him destitute of means to attend his appointments, 
except on foot. We can gather no information how or 
when this loss was made up to him ; all we know is, he 
was for a time without a horse. 

Thus closes another year of his laborious and useful 
life. He had traveled much, almost incessantly day and 
night — he had met with trials and opposition from profess- 
ed friends and open enemies ; but no opposition had shut 
the path of duty from his tread — no time-serving expedi- 
ency had caused him to swerve from the prompt discharge 
of duty ; ever faithful, he had been eminently successful. 
Amid all his trials he had seen much to rejoice his heart, 
and strengthen his faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 
Many had been the cry which had fallen upon his ear 
from the penitent soul, and many the song of deliverance 
that had swelled up from a soul unbnrthened of all its 
guilt ; and many had been the happy convert that he had 
led down into the watery grave. 

One more year had passed away, borne on the rapid 
wings of Old Time, who never returns with the hours he 
has once borne away, that we may better improve them ; 
and his labors and sermons have all gone up to be entered 
on the book of the recording angel. But Oh? sinners 
who have listened to his faithful sermons, have your deeds 
been as worthy to be entered there as his ? Are you wil- 
ling to be judged by your deeds ? If any of you are still 
alive who listened to his entreating voice and heard his 
deep drawn groans in your behalf, and still unreclaimed 
to God, may you heed the warning of his voice still speak- 
ing in his godly life. 



CHAPTER VI. 

1819— Attends the Huntington Quarterly Meeting — Labors to Intro- 
duce System and Order — Is in Favor of Ministers receiving a Good 
Support — Brother C. Huntley Licensed — Some Evil Reports Circu- 
lated against him — He Receives a Pension — Brother Bachelder In- 
volved in Trials — A Hail Storm — The Conversion of Brother Mc- 
Callister — Organizes a Church in Stowe. 

January 1st, 1819. In looking over the past year, broth- 
er Bowles felt much encouraged in the good work of the 
Lord. He had seen so many unmistakeable manifesta- 
tions of the Divine power and blessing attending his 
labors, that to doubt, for a single moment, in regard to 
the path of duty, would be the most unpardonable infi- 
delity. To doubt the Divine goodness and protection for 
the future, would be to deny his entire experience in the 
past, and believe himself a maniac. So he is left no oth- 
er alternative, than to again renew covenant with God, 
pledge future allegiance and fidelity to the captain of his 
salvation, buckle on the armor anew, draw the sword of 
the spirit and commence again the warfare. 

5th, he went to Strafford and attended meeting with 
Eider Buzzell, and enjoyed a refreshing season ; the can- 
dle of the Lord shone in their midst. 6th, he attended 
Monthly Meeting at Corinth, and continued several days 
in the place, visiting, preaching and praying. "Went to 
Hinesburg to attend the Huntington Quarterly Meeting. 
The reports were still cheering, the Old Ship of Zion was 
still breasting waves of opposition with success, while her 
crew was yet on the increase. He preached in the after- 



OF ELD. CHAELES BOWLES. 79 

noon with much liberty, and was followed by Elders Ma- 
nard, Stevens, Howard and Hacket in weighty exhorta- 
tions. In the evening the brethren went to brother Pain's 
in Shelbourne, and he preached again ; his text was, " For 
unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given ; and the 
government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name 
shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, 
the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." And quite 
a good interest was manifest in the meeting. 

Sabbath, 17th, a large congregation met at sister Con- 
ger's. The brethren held a prayer meeting at eight o'clock. 
Elder Stevens preached an interesting sermon in the fore- 
noon. At this meeting, brother Bowles says, "About 
the middle of the meeting, God appeared in mighty pow- 
er, and all of our souls were filled ; we had a good heav- 
enly shouting time ; the voice of the King appeared in 
the camp of Israel." Elder C. Huntley preached an' ex- 
cellent sermon in the evening ; and the Quarterly Meet- 
ing closed its session in an interesting manner. After 
the Quarterly Meeting, he spent a tew days at Shelbourne 
and Charlotte, seeing some interest aroused and good pro- 
duced. 20th, he baptized some at the latter place, after 
which he went to Shelbourne, and labored to introduce 
some system and order into the church. The church es- 
tablished a regular monthly meeting, a church meeting 
for business, and a communion season once in three months. 

It appears from brother Bowles' journals, that he began 
to see the necessity of order and regularity in church gov- 
ernment. He found that difficulties and trials were worse 
to settle after standing for some length of time, than 
when they first appear. And where there are no regular 
church meetings, they are more likely to remain unsettled 
than when regular business meetings are' established. — 



80 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

The church also agreed to raise funds, to defray the ex- 
penses of the •■church, by a tax. It would appear that he 
was in favor of brethren being taxed to help carry on 
the cause of God. Neither, was he opposed to ministers 
having a good support where they labored ; and has him- 
self circulated a subscription to procure ministerial labor 
in the Quarterly Meeting. However honestly past gen- 
erations have opposed the support of the ministry, we 
believe the present opposition proceeds more from covet- 
ousness than conscience. And if any one doubts it, let 
them just ask one of these brethren, who is always telling 
the brethren to " Trust in the Lord for their support," to 
let you have a barrel of flour, a good horse, or a little 
money, and "trust in the Lord for their pay," and see 
where their confidence " in the Lord is !" Not they ! they 
had much rather recommend others to practice this rule 
than to practice it themselves. We think Cromwell's 
way of "trusting in the Lord," much better than theirs : 
upon the eve of a certain battle, his soldiers were, as they 
were wont to be, engaged in praying and singing, but by 
the way, they were rather careless of their ammunition, 
exposing it to the rain that was then falling, said this stern 
man, " Soldiers trust in God, hut keep your powder dry" 

It is true, that he opposed a " hireling ministry" but 
he must have intended only those who preach for nothing 
but the fleece, and have no care for the flock ; or else how 
could he collect money for the ministry? He was quite 
worn down, and considerable unwell at this time. 

February 28th, though still unwell, he went to Char- 
lotte,; and preached and baptized some converts. He 
spent the time in. this vicinity until April 3<i, attended 
three baptisms, assisted in settling several difficulties in 
the churches, and saw a number converted. 



OF ELD. CHAJRLES BOWLES. 81 

April 3d, he left for Washington in company with broth- 
ers George and Butter of that place; on his way he 
preached at Duxbury, Saturday and Sabbath. Sabbath 
evening he went to brother Towl's and spent the night. 
5th, the brethren from Washington left him and went 
home, and he returned to Duxbury and appointed a church 
meeting; when, after instructing them somewhat in the 
doctrines and usages of the denomination, he gave them 
the hand of fellowship and declared them a Free Will 
Baptist Church, In the evening they met in prayer meet- 
ing ; some bowed before the mercy seat for the first time, 
and called upon God to have mercy on them. In their 
church meeting, . they gave brother Calvin Huntley a 
church license to preach the gospel ; and voted that Elder 
Bowles' ordination credentials be entered on the town 
records. Passing through Middlesex and Montpelier, he 
arrived at Washington on the 10th. 

Here he was destined to meet some severe trials. Some 
who professed religion, combined their influence with the . 
ungodly, and put in circulation some evil reports against 
his christian character. What these reports were, we are 
not informed, but some of the brethren's minds had be- 
come alienated from him, and among others, brother 
Sleeper,- a man very dear to him, and whose house had 
been his home. Brother Bowles says of this scenes 
4 'When I arrived at Washington, I found the brethren in 
monthly meeting ; some were glad to see me ; but one-, 
and all wept like children. I told them that I was inno- 
cent, and requested a Council for the examination of the; 
report, to which they agreed . I then went to the grove, 
and told the Lord all about my troubles, and glory to his 
name, he heard me, and, gave me peace of soul, and ait 
assurance of speedy victory." 15th, a Council, consisting 



825 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

of Elder Nathaniel Bowles, Deacon Joshua Folsom, Pe- 
ter Koberson, Joshua George, and E. Cummings, met with 
the church, and after a careful and full investigation he 
was pronounced innocent 

May 8th, the church held a meeting to take into con- 
sideration the conduct of the sister who had circulated 
the reports against Elder Bowles, and after a full investi- 
gation, the church withdrew from her the hand of fellow- 
ship. After which, they heard the experience of several 
converts, received them into the church, and he then bap- 
tized them. In the evening he attended meeting at broth- 
er Bamsdale's, which was an interesting season. He 
continued to labor in the vicinity for some time, the pow- 
er of the gospel made a sensible effect upon the people, 
and enabled him to experience the truth of Baalam's ex- 
pression : " Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, 
neither is there any divination against Israel." Thus he 
continued to labor until the 22d of May, when the Quar- 
terly Meeting was held in the place. The Conference was 
interesting, the reports from the Quarterly Meeting brought 
good news of revivals in many churches. There were 
nine ministers of our own denomination, and two of the 
Methodist, present. The situation of the church in this 
place still continued to press upon him, and to drive sleep 
from his eyes, and to render his food undesirable. Amid 
his anxieties for the welfare of Zion, he utters a wish that 
he " may never again see "Washington." 

Sabbath, 23d, Elder King preached a weighty sermon 
in the morning, and in the afternoon Elder Buzzell spoke 
from Kevelation 10 ; 6, " And sware by him that liveth 
forever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that 
therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, 
and the sea, and the things that therein are, that there 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 83 

should be time no more." In the evening a prayer meet- 
ing was held at brother Thorin's, and he says that, " The 
best of the wine was at the last of the feast," and the 
Quarterly Meeting closed its session with good interest, 
producing a salutary effect upon the religious feelings of 
the church. 

About this time he received a pension for his services 
in the army during the war of the revolution. He now 
had some certain means of support, aside from that which 
he received from the contributions of the brethren. He 
went to Corinth, Bradford and Orange. June 7th, he is 
called upon to sympathize deeply with brother Bachelder, 
who was involved in difficulty with some of his neigh- 
bors. Having just been involved in trials himself, he 
knows how to sympathize with those who are thus situa- 
ted. He went with brother Bachelder to Chelsea, and 
here left him, and returned to Washington, to prepare to 
attend the Huntington Quarterly Meeting. After visit- 
ing with those brethren, who had stood by him in the 
midst of trials, he left in company with brother Clements, 
to attend the above named Quarterly Meeting, and went 
on to Chelsea. 

June 9th, they left Chelsea, and, after riding several 
miles, the sky began to gather darkness, the black clouds 
began to roll up the western horizon, the storm spirit sent 
forth the howling winds from their bowels, the thunder 
uttered its deafening roars, the lightnings leaped from 
cloud to cloud, and the tempest came driving on, like 
some angry war-god eager for the fray. The treasures of 
hail were opened, and poured in fearful blasts upon the 
earth. The place where they took refuge, it appears, was 
the retreat of others ; and brother Bowles seized upon the 
occasion to illustrate and enforce the necessity of escaping 



84 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

the fuiy of that storm of Divine wrath which is threaten- 
ed upon the heads of the wicked at the judgment. The 
storm lasted some forty minutes, and spread its desolating 
force some ten miles in width, breaking glass, and doing 
considerable damage to vegetation. He passed on through 
Montpelier, Duxbury, Bolton and Richmond, and arrived 
on the 12th at Huntington. Here he met warm friends, 
who were glad to see him safely delivered from the snares 
of the enemy, and ready to lead Zion's hosts afresh to the 
conflict. Elder Woodwortlr preached the first sermon. 
Brother Bowles says it came in power, and was followed 
by many remarks from others, and a deep interest was 
manifested. Elder Hacket preached Sabbath forenoon, 
and Elder Woodworth in the afternoon. They held a 
prayer meeting in the evening at brother Gillet?s and the 
saints obtained a view of the kingdom, and a shout went 
up from the camp of Israel. He went from the Quarter- 
ly Meeting to Charlotte and Shelbourne, and preached in 
each place. Here he found some of his brethren sick, 
some quite low. Brother Benson was quite sick with the 
Consumption, and he did not expect to see him again in 
this world, but the prospect of meeting in another and 
better was bright. 

24th, he went to Duxbury, and held a meeting in the 
evening ; several came forward for prayers, and some 
found peace in believing, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 
25th, he went to Huntington. During this summer he 
kept no journal of his labors, but we are assured that he 
was not idle in the good work of the Lord. October 31st, 
he went to Shelbourne and attended meeting ; a large as- 
sembly met, and he preached three sermons and enjoyed 
good liberty, and the people appeared deeply affected. 

^November 4th, he went to Huntington, quite unwell in 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 85 

body, but happy in spirit. Sabbath, 7th, he attended a 
meeting in the school-house ; many of the brethren and 
sisters " came up to the help of the Lord against the pow- 
ers of darkness." The salvation of God was manifested 
in a wonderful manner ; sinners cried for mercy, and the 
saints felt the vitalizing energy of the glorious gospel of 
the Son of God. Each heart was quickened into new ac- 
tivity, and each soul was encouraged for new victories. 
During the week he preached twice and visited among 
the people, encouraging and comforting the saints, and 
warning the sinners. He continued preaching and labor- 
ing in this vicinity with some good success, until the 27th. 
when he left, and went to Duxbury, to attend the Month- 
ly Meeting of that church. He found them well engaged 
in the good work of the Lord. He preached there in the 
evening, with good liberty. 28th, he went to Waterbury 
and preached in the Little River neighborhood ; the 
brethren seemed well engaged in the work of redemption \ 
and he fondly hoped to see some revival interest soon in 
this region. 

30th, he went with brother Lord to Mansfield, and 
preached in the afternoon, and in the evening he preached 
in Stowe, at brother BuzzelPs. December 2d, this day 
was set apart to be observed as a day of thanksgiving 
and prayer. Brother Bowles says that he felt truly thank- 
ful for the blessings of the past year. He preached on 
this day at Little River, and in the evening held a prayer 
meeting at brother Town's. He continued laboring in 
the place, being encouraged by the good omens which he 
had witnessed ; sinners and backsliders began to cry for 
mercy and confess their sins with deep penitence of heart ; 
and even hardened infidels were cut to the heart, their 
false theories became as flax when touched by fire, and 



86 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

they were not ashamed to cast them to the four winds of 
heaven, and seek the more substantial hopes of the gospel. 
The case of one Deist, is mentioned by brother Bowles : 
A man by the name of McCallister, had for some time 
embraced the gloomy sentiments of Deism, and rejected 
the glorious hopes of the gospel. He had sacrificed the 
bright prospects of the christian, for the dark and oblivi- 
ous hope of an " Eternal sleep," which once disgraced 
the tombs of infidel France. He had been somewhat for- 
ward in his abuse of religion, and religious meetings. 
He was induced to attend the preaching of brother Bowles, 
and his attention was soon arrested to the vital question 
of the truthfulness of the gospel system. It was a fear- 
ful struggle ; often the power of gospel truth would put 
to flight all former array of weapons by which he had so 
long guarded his heart against the truth, and he seemed 
ready to yield to the religion of the bible ; but his old 
doubts would soon rally themselves again to the contest, 
and all seemed lost. Thus he stood vacillating between 
these two contending powers. At length he invited broth- 
er Bowles to make him a visit. He went, and found him 
under deep conviction, he requested him to pray for him, 
but brother Bowles told him that it would be of no use, 
unless he would pray for himself. He said he could not, 
and that he had said that " no man should ever hear him 
pray." But his agony of soul put to flight the last lin- 
gering doubt, and he bowed before the God whom he had 
despised, and called earnestly for mercy and salvation. 
That prayer flew with electric speed up to the mercy seat, 
was presented by the Redeemer, in his own name, a par- 
don granted, and the late infidel with brother Bowles and 
angels, joined in a song of redemption over the salvation 
of one soul. 



OF ELD CHAKLES BOWLES. 87 

16th, Elder Bowles attended meeting at brother Smith's, 
in company with Elder Dodge. 17th, he met with the 
brethren at brother Manard's ; several were deeply con- 
victed, and one found peace. Sabbath, 19th, he went to 
the West Branch in Stowe, to brother McCallister's ; the 
people came from Mansfield, Waterbury, and the adjoin- 
ing towns, to the number of near four hundred. Great 
solemnity pervaded the assembly. He preached with 
much effect. Brother McCallister spoke in the meeting, 
confessed his infidelity, and asked the people to forgive 
him. A deep sensation was felt in every part of the con- 
gregation. He held a prayer meeting in the place in the 
evening; many were deeply convicted, and some five 
were hopefully converted. 22d, he held a Monthly Meet- 
ing at the Branch, and several came forward, related their 
experiences, and the church received them ; after which 
Elder Bowles led them down to the water, and plunged 
them beneath its gently rolling waves. Among the num- 
ber was the converted infidel, who followed his master 
down into the watery grave, confessing the hopeless delu- 
sions from which he had been thus mercifully saved. 

25th, he preached again with the brethren ; after which 
he organized them into a Free Will Baptist Church, and 
gave them the hand of christian fellowship. Several un- 
converted persons, while beholding this scene, felt deeply 
the force of gospel truth, and ere it closed were delivered 
from the bonds of iniquity. Thus, as may be supposed, 
the hearts of the saints were encouraged, and the converts 
made glad by new accessions to the praying army. 24th, 
he was called to witness a solemn scene. He was invited 
to the bed-side of death ; he beheld a child in all the 
bloom of youth, laying in the embrace of the grim mon- 
ster of the grave. Friends stood around the expiring ob- 



88 LIFE, LABOKS, AND TRAVELS, 

ject of their love, waiting and weeping as ..the cords that 
bound it to their hearts were snappedone by one. . Some 
were deeply affected, and requested brother Bowles ta 
pray for them. 

28th, he called at the house of Mr. Stevens' ; there was 
a party of young people at the house, engaged in a ball. 
Some of them, learning that he was in the house, came 
into the room ; and he, ever ready, to improve such, an 
opportunity, admonished them for spending their time 
thus foolishly, and exhorted them to spend it in making a 
speedy preparation for death and the judgment. They 
left the room, but being troubled, soon returned,, when he 
told them if they would consent, he would be glad to pray 
with them. They did so, and after a short exhortation, 
he bowed in their midst, and prayed earnestly that they 
might be speedily led to seek salvation. 

30th, he went to brother Nathaniel Bowles, in Corinth, 
and spent the night. 81st, although quite stormy, he 
visited his daughter at Washington, and. found that during 
his absence, she had found the Pearl of Great Price.—- 
How rejoiced is the heart of the parent when it hears of 
the salvation of the child, the object of its love, the idol 
of its bosom ! Do parents desire such glorious results, 
let them live as well as pray before their children, that 
they may be influenced by precept and example. And 
yet how many parents manifest in the presence of their 
children a peevish and fretful disposition, giving way 
sometimes to fits of anger and passion, and then wonder 
that their children are not converted. "Be not deceived j j 
God is not mocked ; for whatsoever a man soweth, that 
shall he reap." 

Thus another year had rolled into eternity ; he had la- 
bored and toiled in the vineyard of his master for twelve 



OF ELD. CHAKLES BOWLES. 89 

months more, since he consecrated himself to the gospel 
work on the last new year's day. God had abundantly 
blessed his labors in the conversion of many. He had 
baptized many, and organized several churches, and seen 
much of the display of Divine power. His work had 
now gone up to be registered upon the great book of ac- 
counts, to be read at the Judgment, together with the 
works of those to whom he had preached. God grant 
that many of them may have a happy meeting with him 
m the Kingdom of Heaven. 



CHAPTER VII. 

1820 — Settles a Difficulty in Waterbury Church — Attends the Corinth 
Quarterly Meeting — Different kinds of Preachers — Ordination of El- 
der Samuel Lord — Visits the Grave-Yard — A Communion Season — 
Goes to the Wheelock Quarterly Meeting — Conversion of Sister 
Quinby — Ordination of Elder Powers — Ordination of Elder Calvin 
Huntley — Visits New Hampshire. 

The year of 1820 was spent by Elder Bowles, mostly 
in the Huntington and Wheelock Quarterly Meetings. 
He was one of the most arduous laborers that ever enter- 
ed the vineyard of the Lord. His preaching, though 
frequently every day, and sometimes several times in the 
day, was but a small part of his work ; when he had pro- 
claimed the word in public, he did not leave it to be 
parched by the sun, choked by the cares of the world, or 
devoured by the birds of forgetfulness ; but his hearers were 
followed to their homes, and personally labored with and 
prayed for ; and thus he was enabled to secure the fruits 
of his labors more effectually. He was often called to 
settle difficulties between brethren, which to him was the 
most trying of all his labors. He speaks of one difficulty 
which he was called to settle in the church at Waterbury. 

February 22d, it seems that he commenced with this 
trial, as he was in the habit of commencing with all oth- 
ers, by visiting, conversing and praying with the breth- 
ren, from house to house, through the church, but more 
especially with the disaffected members. And when he 
had got as good a degree of feeling as possible, then he 
called the church together, and endeavored to reconcile 



OF ELD. CHAELES BOWLES. 91 

the parties. He preached in the evening at brother 
Town's, and had good liberty in speaking. " Spent the 
night with brother Town, and labored hard to have the 
difficulty removed." From this we infer that brother 
Town was a party to the trial. Such was his anxiety for 
the church, that sleep departed from his eyes, and he 
spent the night in lamenting the state of bleeding Zion. 
23d, the forenoon was spent in talking over the matter ; 
in the afternoon the brethren met at Deacon Darling's ; 
much hardness was manifested by some of the brethren ; 
"but after praying and laboring together for some time, 
self began to give way in the minds of the brethren, and 
the spirit of brotherly love to assert its former reign ; the 
cause of Christ again appeared the main object, and all 
forgot and forgave their trials for His dear name. 

26th, he attended Monthly Meeting with the church, 
where all joined with one accord in renewing covenant to 
walk together in union of fellowship. 27th, he preached 
at brother Town's, and broke bread to the church. In the 
evening he attended a prayer meeting at brother Gas- 
kill's, where the spirit of revival was once more manifest. 
Three presented themselves for prayers, and one found a 
pardon for all sin. 28th, he went to Stowe, visiting as he 
journeyed, as was his custom, thereby scattering the seed 
the whole length of his journey. He says, u As I went 
on to this place, I felt to cry Lord revive thy work." In 
the afternoon, he preached at brother Moody's at Stowe ; 
much interest was manifest in the meeting, and one young 
man related his experience for baptism. They then re- 
paired to the water, and brother Bowles like Philip, 
plunged the young brother beneath the yielding wave. 
He attended prayer meeting in the evening, and a still 
deeper interest pervaded the assembly. Some fifteen 



92 LIFE, LABOKS, AND TEAVELS, 

presented themselves for prayers, relating in brief their 
feelings and determinations. He continued his labors in 
Stowe and Waterbury, until the last of March, seeing 
much good accomplished ; baptizing quite a number, and 
enjoying many refreshing seasons with the brethren, who 
were so near his heart. Doubtless, some of the fruits of 
his labors are still living, and can refer with pleasure to 
those scenes of joy in which they found salvation through 
Jesus Christ. 

March 26th, he went to Huntington to attend some ap- 
pointments which he had there. Brother Bowles spent 
some weeks in Huntington, Starksboro, Hinesburg and 
Burlington, preaching, visiting, attending Church and 
Monthly Meetings, settling difficulties and laboring for 
the spread of the glorious gospel of the Son of God. He 
was never satisfied unless he was successfully engaged in 
the great work for which he had received his Divine com- 
mission. Did he behold danger approach to disturb the 
peace and prosperity of the church, his heart always beat 
in sympathy for the people of God ; and his earnest soul 
besieged the Throne of Grace to avert the threatened 
blow. Such was his strong attachment to the infant 
churches, which he had established, that they placed the 
utmost confidence in his devotion to their interests, and 
consequently sent for him on all occasions of trial. 

On the 26th of May, he again took leave of the brethren 
in this region ; and, after invoking upon them the Divine 
blessing, and commending them to the protection of Him 
who said, "Fear not, little nock," proceeded on his way 
toward the Corinth Quarterly Meeting. On his way, he 
visited and preached in Washington, Duxbury and Rich- 
mond, and arrivedat Randolph; on the 20th, where the 
Quarterly Meeting was to be convened. The conference 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 93 

meeting was interesting, and the letters breathed a spirit 
of revival interest. Sabbath, 21st, Elder Clark preached 
an excellent and weighty sermon; after which, many 
warm exhortations were offered. In the afternoon, Elder 
King preached a very instructive sermon. The meeting 
was continued on Monday ; Elders Clark, King, Buzzell 
and Bowles remained and took part in the meeting. A 
good degree of interest was manifest in the meeting, al- 
though he speaks 1 of no especial revival. 

23d, he visited his daughter, whom he found well and 
still striving to go to • Heaven by the way of the Cross. 
He labored for some time in Washington, Topsham -and 
Corinth ; visiting and praying in his usual way, and 
preaching Sabbaths and evenings. . And here, as in other 
places,, he found much to do ; and here also, kw ears: were 
saluted with the sound of new born souls, brought by. 
his influence into the Kingdom. 

Sabbath, June 11th, he preached in Montpelier, where 
he met brother Woodard. Of this meeting brother Bowles 
says, " In the afternoon, God renewed my commission, 
and annointed me from the horn of salvation. 1 1 drew 
bow- at venture, 'God directed the arrow, which smote the. 
•enemy between the .joints q** the harness, and wounded 
many a heart, in the assembly, which caused them to cry ; 
out, ' You meant me, you pointed me out ! r " In the eve- 
ning he held a prayer meeting, in which- one related the 
dealings of God with his soul during the day. 

12th, he left for Duxbury, on his way to attend the 
Huntington Quarterly Meeting to be held in Stowe, where 
he arrived on the 17th. He preached Saturday .afternoon 
from Philippians 2 : 10, " That at the name <tf Jesus ev- 
ery knee should bow."- Sabbath, 18th, Elder Aliens 
preached from Matthew 21 : 44, '^ Whosoever shall fall 



94 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

on this stone shall be broken ; but on whomsoever it shall 
fall it shall grind him to powder." In the evening they 
held a prayer meeting. During the Quarterly Meeting, 
he stopped at brother McCallister's, where he received 
every mark of christian kindness. 19th, Elder Bowles ? 
in company with Elder Allen, went to Waterbury, and 
held a meeting in the evening. Elder Allen preached, 
and brother Bowles and Hacket followed in warm exhor- 
tations. The brethren were highly edified and encour- 
aged. 20th, they left and went to Duxbury, where Elder" 
Webster left them, for his home, and the other two at- 
tended meeting in the evening, and tarried during the 
night with brother John Davis. 21st, they went to Hun- 
tington in company, where they arrived, and attended 
meeting in the evening. Brother Bowles says of this 
day's journey, " I could say with the disciples, on their 
way to Emeas, did not our hearts turn within us, by the 
way." Elder Allen preached this evening, and brother 
Bowles followed in his usual earnest style ; much interest 
was manifested in the meeting. Brother Bowles seems 
to have been well qualified to produce a powerful effect 
in an exhortation ; he was zealous and would often draw 
much upon the sympathies of his audience ; his powerful 
voice, united to his deep and practical experience of the 
dealings of God with himself and others, qualified him 
to touch the hidden springs of human nature, and open 
the fountains of the christian heart. His talents were 
probably better fitted for the exhortation style of preach- 
ing, than doctrinal. He was not what is called a sermon- 
izing preacher ; he sought more to produce present effect 
upon his congregation, than to make a regular siege upon 
any place, by commencing in a systematic course of doc- 
trinal introduction, preparatory to urging a personal com- 



OF ELD. CHAKLES BOWLES. 95 

pliance with the requirements of God. Both of these 
talents are valuable in the church ; and one should never 
be disparaged by the other ; neither should the class pos- 
sessing the one be exalted above those possessing the 
other. God has chosen them both, and we should never 
undertake to decide which is the most useful in the church. 
"We doubtless have our preference for the one or the other. 
Kather let each one make use of all the means in his 
power to improve his usefulness, as best he can. 

22d, they went to Shelbourne ; having no appointment, 
they immediately gave out one, and obtained a good hear- 
ing among the people. Brother Allen preached an ex- 
cellent sermon, and brother Bowles followed in weighty 
exhortation. 23d, brothers Allen and Bowles parted. — 
Brother Bowles spent some days in Shelbourne and Char- 
lotte. 25th, he preached at the house of sister Irish, in 
Corinth, the assembly was large and the meeting inter- 
esting. July 3d, he spent in visiting. 6th, he went with 
brother Allen to "Waterbury to attend the ordination of 
brother Samuel Lord. The council met at brother Town's, 
and attended to the examination ; in the afternoon the or- 
dination was attended to ; sermon by brother Allen, from 
Matthew 10 : 16, and Mark 16 : 15, 16. The sermon was 
able and interesting. The ordaining prayer by brother 
Woodward; charge and hand of fellowship by brother 
Allen ; concluding prayer by brother Bowles. The breth- 
ren spent the night at brother Darling's. 7th, and 8th, 
quite unwell, but went to Mannsfield to attend his ap- 
pointment. 

9th, he preached in a school house. In the morning, 
he had visited the Grave-Yard, and held silent converse 
with his God, amid the tombs of the sleeping dead. His 
mind was solemn, as he contemplated the scene that should 



96 LIFE, LABOES, AtfD TRAVELS, 

transpire, when the angel should come forth, and "■ Stand- 
ing one foot Upon the sea, the other on the land, proclaim 
that time shall be no more," — " When Nature should die, 
and God and Angels come to lay her in the grave," — 
when from each winding sheet, should arise the corpse, 
which long had slumbered in its cold embrace, and, on 
wings of ether, fly upward to meet the general doom, 
And should he stand in that grand assembly, and amid 
the congregations, which he had so often addressed, hear 
the sentence of •" Come," and " Depart," as it fell on each 
successive soul ? He left that charnel-house of the past, 
with stronger resolutions to " Declare the whole council 
of God." 

In the afternoon the congregation was so large, that 
they had to repair to the grove. Here in nature's great 
orchestra, surrounded by the warbling songsters, beneath 
the bending heavens, Elder Bowles felt perfectly at home, 
and his old trumpet was tuned again to the sound of free 
salvation, and his strong voice sent the glorious news re- 
verberating through the forest. He loved to stand amid 
such scenes, and picture to his fellow-men the beauties 
and blessings of that gospel whose joy so enraptured his 
own soul, and sent on angelic wings to feast around the 
throne of God. 16th, he attended meeting at Middlesex 
with brother Huntley. Brother Huntley preached in the 
forenoon, and he in the afternoon. 

He now resolved to visit again the Corinth Quarterly 
Meeting. 17th, Jie went to Montpelier, and spent the 
night with brother Woodworth. 18th, he went to "Wash- 
ington, where he visited for some days, during which he 
was quite unwell for a few days. One would suppose 
that his constant labor would wear him down, and even 
fasten disease upon him ; for he must have encountered 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 97 

many storms in his constant travels from place to place. 
29th, he preached the funeral sermon for a young man 

r who was killed by a falling tree. "Surely in the midst 
of life, we are in death." Sabbath, 30th^ he preached at 
brother Grant's. 
August 3d, he went to Washington and preached in a 

j ! school-house near brother Stone's. After visiting a few 
• days, he took Ms boy and left for the Huntington Quarter- 
ly Meeting. On arriving at Duxbury, the man who had 

• been.keeping his boy arrived and desired to have his boy 

. return with him ; to which brother Bowles consented ; the 
occasion of this affair we do not know. He arrived at 
Huntington on the 5th. He attended Monthly Meeting 

■ with the brethren, and preached on the Sabbath. 8th, the 
friends came to cut his grain for him ; for which he ex- 
pressed much gratitude. 13th, he attended meeting at a 
."school-house in Huntington, in company with brother 
■Webster, who 'preached, in the forenoon, and he in the 
afternoon. After which they attended to the u Washing 
of feet," a ceremony then practiced in several of our 
churches. After which they attended to the ordinance of 
the supper ; in which they enjoyed a refreshing season ; 
the brethren and sisters shouted aloud for joy, while sin- 
ners cried for mercy ; and two were delivered from the 

i power of sin ; so powerful were the recollections which 
this affecting scene called up from the tomb of the past. 
Cruel indeed must be that spirit, which shuts many of his 
recognised followers from the table of our common Lord. 
In recognising us as christians, and excluding us from the 
Lord's table, they say, we are fit for the kingdom of heav- 
en, but not fit for a close commiinion church. Well if we 
are fit for the fwrner^ we will forego the latter ; let us 

; commune with Ohrisi and we will not find much fault 

D 



98 LIFE, LABORS, 

though some of his disciples will not own us fit for their 
table on earth. 

20th, he went to Hinesburg, and preached at the Sweet 
school-house ; here the power of the gospel was felt in 
some good degree. He visited and preached here until 
the 25th, when he started for the Wheelock Quarterly 
Meeting, to spend a short time within its limits. On his 
way he preached at Middlesex and Montpelier, and ar- 
rived at Lyndon on the 2d of September. 

He speaks at this time of the loss of a friend, Charles 
Clark, whom he appears to have very highly esteemed. 
3d, he preached twice in this place, with the church of 
which Elder D. Quinby was pastor. 4th, he attended the 
funeral of the above named Clark, and preached to a large 
assembly, from Eomans 5 : 21, " That as sin hath reigned 
unto death, even so might grace reign through righteous- 
ness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." After 
the funeral service brother Bowles went home with the 
.bereaved family, and sought to comfort and console them 
i in this sad hour of their affliction. He spent a few days 
in this and adjoining towns, but saw no marked signs of 
revival, which induced him to think of returning home 
again ; as he was not wont to labor long in a place with- 
out seeing some manifestations of a revival. Although 
•he had seen no signs of success, yet it was with much 
doubt and misgivings that he started for home on the 8th. 
He went to Wheelock to an appointment ; but on his way 
vmet Dr. Mags, who persuaded him to send back another 
appointment to Lyndon. 

9th, he went to Sutton and preached, and then return- 
ed to brother Quinby's in Lyndon, and attended a prayer 
meeting in the evening. This appears to have been a very 
interesting meeting and to have promised future success 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 99 

to his labors in this place. Sister Quinby, who had not 
embraced religion, was converted during the evening, and 
joined her husband in the heavenly warfare. This was 
not all; there were some dozen more converted during 
the meeting. Brother Quinby got up near the portals of 
glory, and looked over into the heavenly Canaan, and his 
soul gave full vent to the heavenly bliss that flowed in 
swelling waves within. The Old Ship of Zion seemed 
equipped and ready for the heavenly voyage. He spent 
a few days in the place, and 6aw much good done ; many 
souls converted, the family altar reared around hearth- 
stones that had never before listened to the voice of pray- 
er ; and hearts that had never before tuned the songs of 
Zion, were now filled with praise to the Kedeemer. He 
received a small compensation for his labors ; and on the 
14th, he left in company with brother Quinby for the 
Huntington Quarterly Meeting, to be held at Huntington ; 
where they arrived on the 15th, and met the conference 
at brother Gillet's at one o'clock P. M., which was quite 
refreshing; the letters bore good tidings from the out- 
posts of Israel's camp. Sabbath, 16th, Elder G. W. Pow- 
ers preached in the forenoon and Elder Quinby in the 
afternoon ; both of which were weighty and to the purpose* 
Sabbath, 17th, a prayer meeting was held in the mor- 
ning ; in the forenoon Elder Allen preached an excellent 
sermon from Luke 14 : 22, " The servant said, Lord it is 
done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. ,1/ 
After which brother Powers was ordained. Elders Quin- 
by made the ordaining prayer, Woodworth gave the 
charge, Webster gave the hand of fellowship, and Bowles 
made the concluding prayer. In the afternoon Elder 
Bachelder preached from Acts 10 : 3, " He saw in a vis- 
ion evidently, about the ninth hour of the day, an Angel 



100 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

of .God coming in to him, and saying to him Cornelius." 
This was a powerful discourse, and'the vast assembly that 
had been listening all day to* the Divine truths, which had 
fallen upou their ears from the lips of God's servants, be- 
gan to fe i the force of those truths, and many were af- 
fected to tears. Strange indeed, that so many will listen 
so often to an impartial description of their lost situation, 
and still be careless and unmindful of the fatal conse- 
quences that await them in an awful and fast approaching 
judgment. Men are excited to sympathy, and moved to 
action by the affecting appeals that arrest their ears and 
their attention in behalf of human misery, but a faithful 
and true statement of their exposed situation in reference 
to their eternal welfare has little or no effect upon them. 
Oalafornia's glittering treasures are sufficient to peril 
health, life, and ferego all the happiness of civilized life ; 
but the priceless boon of eternal life with all the infinite 
joys of the Paradise of God, are not worth one small ef- 
fort. Oh! deluded and sin-blinded man, rushing on to 
eternal destruction and yet all indifferent to the fact so- 
long as the path sparkles with the debasing dust that has 
•cankered so many souls ! Pause one moment, and calmly 
reflect how you are to give an account for the hundreds 
and thousands of sermons which you have heard, and 
have disregarded ! What are your excuses for thus tram- 
pling upon so many Divine admonitions ? And what plea 
have you for abusing so many mercies which the Divine 
goodness has .showered upon you? 

Elder Quinby preached in the evening at the house of 
brother Gillet, And thus the Quarterly Meeting closed 
its session with a good degree of interest among the breth- 
ren. 20th, he attended the ordination of Elder Leland 
Huntley at Duxbury. Elders Webster preached an irn^ 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 101 

pressive sermon, Lord made the prayer, Bowles gave the 
charge, Lord gave the hand of fellowship and Bowles 
made the concluding prayer. In the evening he preached 
at brother Wood's in Richmond . 24th, he went to the 
Hill neighborhood in Hinesburg, and preached in the 
evening. This was a season of much interest to brother 
Bowles and he says of it, "I felt happy in the Lord, and 
could give glory to God for His many mercies." 

Sabbath, October 1st, he attended the funeral of Mr. 
CarnePs child, and preached to a large congregation. In 
the afternoon he preached at the school-house near broth- 
er Ambler's, and then attended the ordinance of baptism. 
One woman at the water cried, Lord have mercy on my 
soul. The 22d, he went to hear the Rev. Mr. Colver, 
Baptist minister preach, and he says, my sotu felt tried 
at his preaching ; probably it was too Calvinistic for him ; 
for Free Grace was his theme always ; he loved to hold 
up to a lost world the wonders of a full and free salva- 
tion. October 6th, in company with brother Ambler of 
Huntington, he started for the Yearly Meeting to be held 
at Yershere. It was to him a pleasant interview to mee- 
with brethren from the Quarterly Meetings, where he had 
labored. The conference met on the 7th, it was a precious 
time; Elder Bowles preached in the evening, and God 
owned the "Word and made it profitable to speaker and 
hearers. On Sabbath, 8th, Elder King preached the 
Word of Life with power, in the forenoon, and Elder 
Knowlton in the afternoon, preached a sermon that seem- 
ed to melt every heart before the Lord. In the evening- 
Elder Bowles went to brother Simond's in Strafford, and 
enjoyed a family visit. 9th, he went to Washington, to 
brother Crooke's, and in that and some other families in 
that community, he enjoyed interesting seasons in prayer 



102 LIFE, LABOKS, AXD TRAVELS, 

and christian conversation; he found many souls here- 
congenial with his own in the fellowship and labor of the 
gospel with Christ the Great Head of Zion. 

11th, he went to Corinth, and in the evening he heard 
Elder Moss, from New Hampshire, preach ; he says, " I 
tried to speak a little in exhortation and the Lord helped 
me, and we all had a good time together ; some old back- 
sliders began to tremble ,; some came out and confessed 
their wicked departure from God, and the old saints felt 
on the wing for glory." On the 12th, he went to visit 
some of his old friends in Hanover, New Hampshire. 
He attended meeting in the evening at Mr. John Wells' 
in Hanover, and during the meeting in the evening, one 
soul found peace through the Holy Redeemer's blood*' 
the presence of the Lord filled the place. 

On the 13th, he preached at brother Black's in Canaan. 
He says, " I felt to cry in my soul for God to make bear 
His arm in this region." On the 14th, he came back to 
Mr. Wells' in Canaan, and preached in the evening ; an- 
other soul came out into gospel liberty. This, with the 
result of the previous meeting, was a very favorable omen 
of revival interest getting in among the people. He con- 
tinued in the place until the 24th, and visited from house 
to house every day and preached every evening; the 
power of the Lord was felt among the people in a won- 
derful manner, and several were converted to God. On 
the 23d, he baptized several of the converts ; it was a 
happy time at the water, notwithstanding great solemnity 
appeared on the countenances of the multitude that was 
present, and God evidently set the seal of His approba- 
tion on the ordinance. 

On the 24th, he gave the parting hand to the friezadsin 
Hanover. He visited some friends in Lyme and Oxford,, 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 103 

9 

on his way to Piermont, and held meetings at brother 
Norris', Cobourn's and Koberson's. On arriving at Pier- 
mont, he fonnd a good home at brother Ephraim Cross'. 
On the 29th, he went to "Warren, and preached in the 
evening, and put up at Mr. Stephen Kichardson's. On 
the 30th, he visited some of his children, who were 
living there, he also visited some of his old neighbors in 
•the place. He seemed to enjoy a happy time, and yet as 
he says, " It was a solemn time to me in reflecting what 
changes the flight of time had made in the society of my 
fellow-men." He seemed to enjoy the social greetings 
of his friends in the place, and his was a temperament to 
enjoy it ; he was ardent in his affections as a beloved fath- 
er, and possessed those social qualities as a friend and 
a neighbor, and although he had been absent for a soason, 
friendship still existed. 

^November 1st, he preached at brother Corlis'. The 2d, 
he took leave of his friends and his children, and rode to 
Bradford, Vermont, and in the evening he preached at 
brother George's. On the 3d, 4th, 5th and 7th, he visited 
Corinth, Washington, Orange and Chelsea. Visiting du- 
ring the day, and preaching every night, and encouraging 
the children in the good way of life. He^could say with 
the good Apostle with a full heart, " I have no greater 
joy than to see my children walking in the truth." On 
the 10th, he visited Hinesburg, and spent the night at 
brother Dow's. He says, " My soul felt happy in God. 
I could joyfully shout the praise of the Lord my King for 
His mercy and protection over me during my journey, 
and my cry is, Lord roll on the victory of thy kingdom." 

On the 13th, he went to Shelbourne and preached in 
the evening at brother Hill's, and on the 14th, he visited 
among the brethren in Charlotte. Sabbath the 17th, he 






104 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

preached at tne Dike school-house in Huntington ; broth- 
er Peck preached in the forenoon, and Elder Bowles in 
the afternoon ; a good time- was;: -enjoyed, the Lord seem- 
ed to own the Word, and accompanied it with the power 
of the Holy Spirit to the hearts of the people. In speak- 
ing of the brethren and the church in Huntington, he 
gars, "No one but God knows the feelings of my heart 
in anxiety for the prosperity of that dear branch of God's 
Zion, and no one but God knows the groans and tears and 
prayers I offer for her spiritual interest." Brother Bowles 
did not only preach the gospel zealously from the pulpit, 
he watered it with his tears in the holy, happy commun- 
ion with God, and when he tells us of the travail of his 
soul, be sure, dear reader, it is no unmeaning sentence. 
He says, " On the 20th, I started for Washington, with 
tears flowing from my eyes, I felt to cry, Lord let me see 
thy glory, and let my fellow-men bow to the mild sceptre 
of the dear Imanuel. I took the parting hand, with the 
deepest feeling I ever before experienced, my poor heart 
seemed almost too full for utterance." 

He went on visiting the brethren and holding meetings 
in Bolton, Duxbury, Middlesex and Montpelier, the good 
Spirit accompanying him on the way. At Chelsea, he 
visited brother Richardson Crook, and enjoyed in the 
family a cordial welcome; he also spent sometime in the 
family with his little son. He expressed much deep anx- 
iety for his spiritual welfare, he says, " I am not satisfied 
that my children are supplied for their temporal wants, 
that they are well fed and clothed — my soul groans before 
the throne of God that they may be fed with the Bread 
of Life, and clothed with the Righteousness of the Re- 
deemer." He attended meetings and visited constantly, 
in Williamstown, Chelsea, Corinth, Orange and Washing- 



OF ELD CHARLES BOWLES. 105 

ton. And^ Oh ! how often Angels had to speed their way 
np to the Court of Heaven to bear the glad news of the 
triumph of the gospel over the stubborn hearts of men, 
in the domestic circle or in the public congregation of the 
people. And how freely did the Kecording Angel regis- 
ter into the Book of Life, the names of many dear souls, 
during this visiting and preaching tour of Elder Bowles, 
that they may amidst the full fruition of Infinite bliss 
sound the note of redeeming love in the paradise of God. 
On the 15th, he went to Barry and visited some friends, 
then went and spent the night at brother Woodworth's in 
Montpelier. On the 16th, he went to brother Barnet's in 
Middlesex, and preached in the evening. On the 17th 
and 18th, he held meetings with the brethren in Buxbury, 
and enjoyed with them a precious season. On the 20th, 
he attended meeting in the new school-house in Hunting- 
ton, and preached to a large assembly. In this meeting 
he was happy in enjoying the aid of brother John Brew- 
ster, in a weighty exhortation, and in spiritual, faithful 
praying. Elder Bowles says, " Brother John seemed to 
enjoy so much of the good spirit and so much holy, living 
faith, it gave my soul a new lift for glory." During the 
week he found quite a number sick, and among them., 
some of his brethren who were dear to his heart. In 
speaking of his visit among the sick, he says, " At brother 
Cotton's I enjoyed a weeping time, at the bed-side of some 
who seemed to be but a little from the grave ; I felt sor- 
row to think of losing them out of the church ; and for 
the sinner, I felt solemn, to think he must come up to the 
Judgment unprepared, unless saved by the grace of God." 
After filling his appointments at Huntington, Shelbourne, 
Charlotte and Hinesburg, he went back into the Corinth 
Quarterly Meeting, to tend appointments there, and wind 



106 LIFE, LABORS, A1TD TRAVELS, 

up the labors of the year. He preached every evening 
up to the last day of the year, in Washington, Corinth, 
Chelsea and Orange. 

On January 1st, he says, " I look back on the past year 
with deep feeling of gratitude. I feel that God has truly 
been better to me than my fears, and I am satisfied with 
the verified promise of the blessed Jesus, "Lolam with 
you always, even unto the end of the world." He has 
been with me in the congregation of the people, and in the 
prayer meeting, and around the family altar, and bless 
his Holy Name, He has met with me in the grove, where 
alone with Him, my soul has feasted on Heavenly Man- 
na." And, dear reader, where is there a fitter place to 
hold communion with the great Deity, than the beautiful 
grove, amidst the beauty of Nature ! Eomantic, pictur- 
esque and sublime, in harmonious stillness, all the engross- 
ing influences of the world, are shut out ! There the soul 
can become completely assimilated into the Spirit of God's 
Holy Attributes. Such a course of preparation of the 
soul for the work of God, is only in obedience to the holy 
command of the Redeemer,, in his instruction to his Dis- 
ciples, " When thou pray est, enter into thy closet, and 
when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who- 
seest in secret, and thy Father who seest in secret shall 
reward thee openly." 

It is evident that the lack of spirituality in the labor of 
the ministry, and church at the present day, is the want 
of more love and interest in secret devotion with our 
Heavenly Father. And how pleasing it must have been 
to brother Bowles, at the end of the year, to look back 
over all the events and incidents connected with his labor, 
and think of the often communions with God, and the di- 
rection the Spirit gave to his mind and feelings to see 



OF ELD. CHAULE3 BOWLES. 107 

>dearly the path of duty, and excite in him a disposition 
to do what is right in the sight of God for the good of 
men. Oh, may the Mantle of some of those good men, 
fall on many of our younger ministry, who are coming up 
to fill important stations in the church of God ! It would 
then be learnt, that the real eloquence that touches the 
"hidden spring of the human heart, is not simply the ora- 
tory of the pulpit, in rhetorical splendor, or logical rea- 
soning in literary or scientific dress, but the simple lan- 
guage of the soul, deep and pathetic, in the narration of 
christian experience, as of Paul before Agrippa, that makes 
the christian's heart to bound with joy and the sinner to 
recoil before the power of truth. And in the grove is the 
best place to learn that eloquence. 

Dear Christian reader, may the Spirit of God teach it 
to us all, as the best qualification for the gospel work. 
And if it is, as is the oft-repeated remark, that it takes 
the whole church to preach the gospel, how important that 
every member should feel his, or her individual responsi- 
bility, to be qualified to contribute a proper spiritual in- 
fluence for the prosperity of Zion, and for the salvation of 
men. Doubtless, such were the means used in the days 
of the Fathers in the denomination, that made the Word 
-of God mighty, to the pulling down the strong holds of 
.Sin. 




CHAPTER VIII. 

1 82 1-— Attends the Huntington Quarterly Meeting—A Case of Sui- 
cide — Ordination of Elder Josiah Wetherby — Labors in Brownsboro 
—Prejudice against Color — Is called to Pray with a Man and hi& 
Wife — Educated and Illiterate Ministers — A Preparation for the 
Ministry— A Tour to the North Part of the State. 

In entering upon the duties and labors of another year, 
he still found trials to encounter, and discouragements to 
overcome. The christian path, in which he is called to 
tread, is the same now as ever. The declaration, " If ye 
will live godly in Christ Jesus, ye shall suffer persecu- 
tion," is as true now as ever. 

January 11th, 1821, he left for Waterbury, taking his 
little son with him. He spent the night at Montpelier, 
with brother Woodworth, where he was kindly received 
and entertained. 12th, he preached at Middlesex, and 
then went to meet the Elder's Conference of the Quarter- 
ly Meeting convened at that place. The meeting was in- 
teresting ; the reports were encouraging, and showed that 
gome advance was being made in the holy warfare. El- 
der Woodworth preached an interesting sermon in the 
morning ; after which, some interesting exhortations were 
given. In the evening Elder Bowles preached at the 
West Branch in Stowe. 

Sabbath, 14th, in the afternoon he preached again, and 
in the evening he went to Little River, in Waterbury, and 
preached to a large congregation ; some were convicted 
of their sins, and one woman in particular, was much dis- 
tressed for her own soul's welfare. The brethren engaged 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 109 

in prayer, and continued their sxrpplications for over two 
hours. She at length yielded her heart to God, and found 
peace through our Lord Jesus Christ, and joined with 
thern in giving glory to God for his dying love and re- 
deeming grace. 

15th, he went in company with Elders Webster, Wood- 
worth and Huntley to Buxbury Here he spent a week, 
and saw some good done. While here, a young man 
nung himself in Shelbourne. He had professed religion, 
got into a backslidden state, and then committed the 
dreadful act of suicide. From Duxbury, he went to Bol- 
ton, Richmond and Hinesburg, to Huntington. 

On Sabbath, February 11th, he preached in Huntington, 
and enjoyed great blessing in the meeting, in seeing the 
effect of the Word on the hearts of the people. On Mon- 
day he went to Shelbourne, to hear Clarissa Danforth 
preach, and he says of the meeting, " It was a good melt- 
ing time ; about twenty came forward to be prayed for, 
and God manifested his power in great glory." Elder R. 
Allen was with him in this meeting, and in co-operation 
with Elders Bowles and Allen, sister Banforth was well 
engaged. The brethren and sisters in Shelbourne and 
Charlotte were well engaged in the work. 

On the 13th, he went to visit the family where the young 
man lived that hung himself. ' He was a son of Beacon Ben- 
net of Hinesburg. Elder Bowles in speaking of the sub- 
ject says, "In the family we had a solemn weeping time, 
the friends felt greatly afflicted, I tried to comfort them 
with the consolation of the gospel." Thus we see that El- 
der Bowles could mingle his sympathies with his friends 
in the domestic circle, and weep with the afflicted, as did 
the dear Jesus at the grave of Lazarus, with his sisters 
Martha and Mary. On the 15th, he went to Huntington. 



110 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

visiting and praying on the whole route, from house to 
house, and manifesting the deepest anxiety for the welfare 
of Zion. On the 19th, he held a meeting in the Thomas 
school-house in Huntington. He continued to cry in his 
soul in behalf of poor sinners, and his cry was constantly 
lifted to Heaven, " O Lord revive thy work." Sabbath, 
26th, he preached at the Alderbrook school-house, and in 
the afternoon, he attended the funeral of a child. In the 
evening he met in a prayer meeting at the Thomas school- 
house; the majesty of God's power was manifest in the 
meeting, and Elder Bowles, with some of the brethren, 
got into a deep struggle in behalf of the impenitent. The 
27th, he went on to Duxbury, and attended meeting in 
the evening, and in company with Deacon Canada, he 
spent some little time in visiting the brethren in the place. 
March 1st, he went to Stowe to meet a Council to at- 
tend to the ordination of brother Josiah Wetherby. El- 
der Bowles preached the sermon from Matthew 10 : 16, 
u Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves ; 
be ye therefore wise as serpents, and as harmless as doves." 
He enjoyed good liberty in speaking, and the meeting 
closed with tokens of great good. We are not informed 
who were the others on the Council, but he speaks of en- 
joying a pleasant interviow with them at brother McCol- 
lister's in Stowe. On the 2d, he started to go East into 
the Corinth Quarterly Meeting, but when he had got as 
far as Middlesex, he felt a burden on his soul to return 
"back to Waterbury, and he accordingly turned to go back, 
determined to follow the voice of the Spirit. On the 
Sabbath, 4th, he held meeting at the "West Branch in 
Waterbury. He says, " This morning, my soul felt bar- 
ren, and I felt the need of looking up to the Throne with 
more faith. I commenced the meeting trusting in God, 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 111? 

breathing out my soul in prayer ; the Lord soon appeared! 
and let me into liberty to pray and preach the Word. 
One poor soul came out into the liberty of the gospel, 
and many fell under conviction. 

On the 6th, he started for the Corinth Quarterly Meet- 
ing. He spent the night at brother Bennet's in Middlesex. 
7th, he went on to Washington, and for several weeks he 
labored day and night, visiting and preaching the gospel* 
of comfort to the children of God, and warning to the 
Binner. A person not acquainted with the nature and 
power of the gospel, might be led to suppose that a min- 
ister would get tired of the work to go over the ground 
go often. But we assure our readers, that it was not m 
Elder Bowles to feel a weariness in the discharge of duty 
to God and his fellow-men, and it is evident that the peo- 
ple did not get weary in hearing him sound the gospel 
trumpet, and tell of the glories of Paradise. It was pleas- 
ant to Elder Bowles to see on every visit he made, that 
some poor sinner, was led by his influence to bow to the 
Throne of Grace, and yield obedience to the government 
of God. He could say with the good Apostle, " For as 
much as our labor is not in vain in the Lord." During this 
visit in the Corinth Quarterly Meeting, he speaks of one 
meeting held at brother Nathaniel Sleeper's, as being at- 
tended with mighty power ; he says, " It was a mighty 
slaying time, the strong arm of God was made bear in 
the meeting ; we all got hold by Faith, and God moved 
the Ark along, in great mercy to us all." In this visit the 
holy flame of reformation was kindled to such a hight it 
seemed as if the whole Corinth Quarterly Meeting would 
be deluged with the glory of the Lord. 

On the 1st of April, he attended meeting at the dwel- 
ling of Deacon Canada, in Duxbury. On Saturday, March 



112 LIFE, LABORS, AUD TRAVELS $ 

31st, he was with the brethren in Monthly Meeting, and 
rejoiced to find them faithful and striving to live in gospel 
order, and ff Contending for the Faith once delivered to 
the Saints." Elder Bowles could never be satisfied with 
a mere form in religious duty, or Quarterly or Yeaily 
Meetings merely through custom. Therefore, he began 
to urge on the brethren in every church to occupy a posi- 
tion like the good Prophet on the Mount, look and watch 
for the little cloud that they might enjoy an abundance 
of rain. He now resolved to visit all the churches in the 
Quarterly Meeting, and by prayerful, faithful labor, aim 
to get the minds of all brethren £xed definitely on the 
point, to pray for a general outpouring of the Holy Spirit, 
to accompany the Word of Life to the hearts of the hear- 
ers. And, thank God, he was not unsuccessful in his ef- 
fort, for he met with brethren in all of the churches who 
were ready to respond to the call, and second the effort he 
had begun ; and many in all_ that region, can look back 
to their youth and beginning of manhood, and rejoice in 
God that the Holy Ghost ever led Elder Bowles to weep 
and pray among them ; and many in the Heavenly Courts 
with him, will rejoice to all Eternity, that they ever bow- 
ed with him at Mercy's Altar in this life, and gave up 
their hearts to God, and joined with him in covenant. — 
But all the results of his labors will not be known until 
revealed at the Judgment ; then if minds can expand and 
memory be active to enjoy that friendly recognition pecu- 
liar to christian fellowship in this life; when the Infinite 
Judge shall pronounce the happy welcome to enjoy a 
home with Him in heaven ; the joy of so faithful a ser- 
vant of God will be complete. He can then with the 
Bard of Israel say, " I shall be satisfied when I awake in 
thy likeness." 



OF ELD. CHABLES BOWLES. 113 

Sabbath, 6th, he preached in Huntington, and after a 
week's labor in that town, he went to Hinesburg, and 
preached on the 15th at the dwelling of sister Conger. In 
the evening he went to Charlotte and preached to a large 
assembly of people, and during the week he held meet- 
ings every night and visited during the days in Charlotte 
and Shelbourne. On the 19th, he went to a place called 
Rhode Island Comers, and held meeting in the evening. 
He says of the meeting, "The power of the Lord came 
down in a wonderful manner ; some poor souls began to 
cry for mercy, and one poor soul found salvation through 
the blood of the Eedeemer ,; backsliders began to tremble 
and weep like Peter as the dear compassionate Jesus look- 
ed on them, as he did on him. I began to hear the inhab- 
itants shout from the top of the Rock, and my cry was, 
Lord roll on the mighty power of thy salvation. I felt 
that the Lord heard my cry. But a. great trial came on 
my mind on account of some difficulties I saw beginning* 
to get in the church. I began to get down at the foot of 
the Throne. and beg for Zion, and glory to God, he heard 
my cry, and granted deliverance and kept out the troub- 
le." On the 22d, he attended meeting at Shelbourne, 
also on Monday evening 23d, and on the 24th, he went to 
Duxbury and preached. 

On Sabbath, the 29th, he preached to a large congrega- 
tion. On Monday he left Duxbury in company with Elder 
Bachelder to go to Huntington. It was the time of the 
great freshet on the Onion River, and the journey was 
attended with great difficulty and danger* but with his 
mind intent on the work, they waded through the water 
and got to their appointments. He says, "The Spirit of 
the Lord came down in a wonderful manner in power to 
■our hearts. But Satan came also among us in the form of 



114 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

a little opposition ; but God overruled it." From this 
time to the latter part of June, he was constantly on the 
move in the work of the Lord, in company either with 
Elder "Webster, Wetherby, Bachelder, or Huntley. He 
preached every Sabbath, and for the most part of the 
time every night in the week, and visited to a great ex- 
tent. It would appear astonishing that one man could be 
on the way and perform so great an amount of labor, and 
not break down ; but when we consider Elder Bowles* 
great devotion to the cause of Christ, and the great faith 
and confidence that always prompted him in the work, 
we have only to rejoice in the power of that Holy Being 
who has said, " Lo I am with you always, even unto the 
end of the world." At Starksboro, Shelbourne, Charlotte, 
Hinesburg, Huntington, Kichmond, Stowe, Underhill, 
Brownboro, Middlesex and Duxbury, he held meetings. 
He saw much of the Divine power manifested, and he 
could say with old Balaam, " Surely there is no enchant- 
ment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against 
Israel ; according to this time it shall be said of Jacob 
and Israel what hath God wrought." 

During this tour, he attended the May term of the Hun- 
tington Quarterly Meeting, and enjoyed a mutual chris- 
tian interview with the ministering brethren. He speaks 
of the meeting with feelings of deep interest, and it could 
not be otherwise than interesting after so mighty an awa- 
keing among all the churches in the Quarterly Meeting. 
We look back to the history of those days, and contrast them 
with the present with feelings of deep anxiety, we cannot 
suppress the cry in our souls, " O Lord revive thy work, 
in the midst of these years, in wrath remember mercy." 
Eor truly the christians of the present day live too much 
in theory, and less in holy practice than is important to 



OF 1LD. CHARLES BOWLES. 115 

roll on victories of the Redeemer's Cross for the conquest 
of the world. And the great trouble is, "A wonderful 
and horrible thing is committed in the land ; the Proph- 
ets prophesy falsely, and the Priests bear rule by their 
means ; and my people love to have it so ; and what will 
ye do in the end thereof." Jeremiah 5th : 30th, 31st. 
* On the 22d of June, he went to Jerico, in company 
with Elder Webster ; and in the afternoon preached in 
brother Reed's barn to a large assembly of attentive hear- 
ers. Here they found a few of the like faith with them- 
selves. The gospel found its way to many a heart, and 
the cry of " God be merciful to me a sinner," was heard. 
In the evening a meeting was held at brother Reed's 
house, where some indications were manifest of a revival 
of the work of salvation, and he and Elder "Webster were 
deeply interested to continue their efforts. 24th, they 
met a large congregation ; after an earnest struggle in 
prayer at the Throne of Divine mercy ; Elder Webster 
preached in the forenoon, and much interest was manifest 
in the meeting. At noon they organized a Free Will 
Baptist Church. In the afternoon he preached an excel- 
lent sermon, and many were deeply convicted, while two 
gave all for Christ, and received a pardon of all their 
sins, and obtained acceptance with God ; which enabled 
them to return home praising God for salvation. In the 
evening more than a score bowed at the Altar of Mercy, 
confessing their sins, and imploring the Divine favor and 
pardon ; while four found the Pearl of Great Price. Al- 
though this was a new field of labor, yet he found warm 
friends and welcome entertainment at brother Choate's. 
After spending a short time with the new church and con- 
verts, he left for his appointment in Richmond, where he 
arrived on the 25th, and attended meeting at the Hildreth 



116 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

school-house. From Kichmond he went to Brownsboro^ 
and held several meetings ; where he met with much op- 
position. The enemies of the truth in the shape of cold 
professors, old backsliders and the unconverted assailed 
him with their weapons, which none but such know how 
to use. But by constant prayer and faithful labor /or 
their reclamation and conversion, the power of their en- 
chantments was broken, and victory turned on the side of 
truth and righteousness. 

Brother Bowles would often on entering a new place ? 
awaken much cruel and bitter opposition ; and this from 
various causes ; partly on account of his color. There 
was then, and now is, a deep-rooted prejudice against the 
mere complexion of a person, which will manifest itself 
in a variety of forms. Sometimes you will hear professed 
anti-slavery men making a great ado about a a colwed 
man preaching to a white congregation ;" saying that they 
are " friends to the colored race, hut they will do better to 
go among their own people and preach." Some of the 
" baser sort " aver that they " will not hear a nigger 
preach." Where the heart is prejudiced against the race, 
it will find an embodyment in some form in action. There 
are some little aristocrats in all of our country villages, 
who in imitation of city purse-proud nabobs, turn up their 
noses at a colored minister ; when at the same time, in 
point of intelligence and good manners, the negro is far 
their superior. One of these cod-fish aristocrats in the 
shape of a. member of a certain churchy once invited the 
compiler of this book to take tea with him ; they sat in 
the parlor conversing until it was served ; when he show- 
ed his guest out into a back kitchen to a table to sit by 
himself, while the family ate in another apartment. And 
this too, a professed disciple of Him who said, " As ye 



OF ELD. CHAELE8 BOWLES. 117 

would that others should do unto you, do ye even so unto 
them." Shame upon such nuisances of Christianity ; they 
are a stench in the nostrils of humanity to say nothing of 
religion. But in whatever form this opposition came r 
brother Bowles was sure to overcome it in a short time ; 
Lis earnest prayers and faithful preaching made a power- 
ful impression upon stubborn hearts and soon turned ma- 
ny of his enemies into not only his friends, but also the 
friends of his Master. Thus it was in this place ; the op^ 
position was not only overcome, but crowds flocked to 
bear him, and before he left the place the saints were 
greatly revived, and many sinners were convicted of 'their 
Bins. This greatly encouraged him to persevere in the 
good work of the Lord in which he had been so long en- 
gaged. 

In- July, he went back to Huntington, and spent a few 
days with the church in that town, visiting, preaching 

: and praying. Sabbath, 8th, he held meeting at the Thom- 

■ as school-house. 12th, he started again for Jerico in. 

; i ' company with Elder Webster. They found on their arri- 
val, that the good work, so well commenced when they 
were there before, was 'still in progress. The brethren 
were all alive to the salvation of their fellow-men. Sev- 

: eral had found peace in the Redeemer. After laboring in 
the place for a little time, several came forward and rela- 
ted their experience for baptism. They accordingly ad- 
ministered the ordinance and gave them the hand of 
fellowship and christian love. They then left the place 
and Elder Bowles returned to Huntington, where his ear 
quickly caught the sound of the young convert, as it came 
borne upon the evening breeze from the prayer meetings 
where were assembled the saints of the Redeemer. He 
also heard the groans of the mourner around the temple 



118 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

gates of Zion, and the shout of the old saints from the 
camp of Israel. 

He soon left for Brownsboro, and there met Elder "Web- 
ster, ready with him still to face the enemies of Zion. 
On the 18th, Elder Bowles preached to a large congrega- 
tion, and found the opposition which had been raised 
against him was now dead ; and what was still better, 
that many had been converted since his first visit, and 
others were enquiring the way to Zion's gate, with their 
faces thitherward. He visited Charlotte during the week, 
and enjoyed a refreshing season with the brethren. 22d, 
he went again to Brownsboro, and preached with good 
liberty, many in the meeting cried for mercy, and the 
power of the glorious gospel was felt in their midst.— 1 - 
Monday, 23d, he went to Hillsboro, and preached in the 
evening ; he spent the night with a brother Howe, whose 
grand-daughter was under deep conviction. Elder Bowles 
with the family spent the evening, and the next forenoon 
in praying for her, and exhorting her to submit and be- 
come reconciled to God. He then left for Huntington. 
As he journeyed along, he saw a man sitting at the door 
of his house, deeply distressed on account of his sins j and 
he begged the Elder to go into his house and pray for 
him. "I found his wife," he says, " in great distress ; I 
exhorted them both to give their hearts to God immedi- 
ately, I knelt down with them, they seemed to be deter- 
mined to give up all for Christ. I started on my way, 
.and in a little while I found another in great distress of 
.mind, at a house where I called. It was a woman ; I 
strove to comfort her ; she continued to cry " Lord save, 
or I perish." I held up the great atonement. I then 
went on my way to Huntington, but before I got there, I 
found another crying for mercy. I bowed again at Mer- 






OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 119 

cy's Altar, and before I got up from my knees, this one 
found mercy and peace from God." 

At Huntington, he found many sick ; these received his 
attention and enjoyed the benefit of his prayers. Some, 
while enduring great pain of body, were happy in soul, 
d and gave glory to God ; others in their sins, cried out in 
great agony of soul. On the 28th, he went to Jerico ; he 
I j met with a brother Lee, a subject of the revival, who had 
been a strong Universalist. He met Elder Bowles with 
warm affection, and after some conversation he wished to 
i be baptized. Some of the brethren hesitated, on account 
j of his former character as an opposing Universalist ; but 
after he gave in his experience, all doubts vanished, and 
the brethren gave him fellowship, and Elder Bowles bap- 
tized him. On Sabbath, the meeting was a time of great 
comfort to the saints of God. On the 30th, he began vis- 
iting again, and in one house he found two women under 
conviction. He kneeled with them in prayer and before 
he got through praying one of the women found peace in 
the Holy Eedeemer, and began to sound the praise of the 
Lord. 

During the month of August, he labored in the towns 
of Duxbury, Bichmond, Huntington, and Bolton, and 
Borne in adjoining towns. Many an incident of no ordi- 
nary nature, served constantly to nerve him up to the 
great work, in which his whole soul was so ardently and 
successfully engaged. He never labored long in a place, 
unless he saw some open manifestations of the Divine 
power in the conversion of his fellow-men. He was con- 
stantly on the wing, from one appointment to another ; 
however there was a constant necessity for other laborers 
to gather up the dear converts which the Lord had set at 
liberty through his instrumentality, and also to watch 



120 LIFE, LABORS AND TRAVELS, 

over the interest of the churches ; although Elder Bowles 
did much of such work. 

During his labors in these towns, he often resorted to 
the silent grove, and there bowed before his Heavenly: 
Master, and poured out his soul in earnest supplication 
for Divine consolation, amidst all his trials and discour- 
agements. This to him was a favorite place, and one 
where; he-' often, got his old gospel armor newly burnished,. 
and prepared for the heavenly warfare. But whether in 
the silent grove, or in the study, the true Reformer of man- 
kind, must hold constant communion with his God, di- 
rected by the Holy: Spirit, through the medium -of His 
word by prayer. - The founders of the denomination, were 
holy, devoted, men; -they were men who were ready -to 
peril their lives in. support of gospel truth ; but they owed 
much, to God for what they were as laborers in the vine- 
yard, of the Lord, and everything for the success of their 
work. ,. As men and ministers, they did not enjoy the lit- 
erary advantages of the. present age ; but if they were 
what: refined scholarship would term illiterate, they were 
nevertheless well instructed in a practical sense in the 
doctrines of the righteous government of .the great Sov- 
ereign of heaven. . It is intimated by some, without foun- 
dation in truth, that those holy men, opposed education, 
and gloried in ministerial ignorance. They did not glory 
in ignorance ; neither did they depend on education sim- 
ply in its power and accomplishment, or refined elegance, 
to confound the wise of this world, and carry conviction 
to the hardened heart of man. They doubtless improved 
their opportunities as best they could, considering the ad- 
vantages of their times, in the infant state of the denom- 
ination. And if they opposed anything of an educational 
character in the ministry, it was the arrogance and con- 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 121 

ceit fostered in the character of the men who attempted 

h to lord it over God°s heritage, and whose interest in the 

work of the ministry, was controlled by worldly selfish- 

i S mess, rather than God's glory and the salvation of men.. 

For it must ■ be- remembered, that what those good men 

backed in Academic and Collegiate literary endowments 7 

-•/they enjoyed in a clear pratical- knowledge of human na- 

'■ • ture, and with discriminating minds, -enlightened by the 

| power of the glorious gospel, ■ and with consciences- that 

■••would not justify them in compromising God's truth for 

jj worldly popularity. 

■■;'■ ; In the name of God, for the honor' and glory of His 
, : Hdngdom, and for the good ■ of poor erring man, they by 
the grace of God, laid- the foundation of the denomina- 
. ■ ■■ tional interest ; they ■ labored with untiring and unceasing 
- interest to show to the world the Infinite love of the great 
■ [Redeemer of mankind, and to respond to the sentiment 
of the great and good Apostle, " For ye know the grace 
#f our Lord Jesus. Christ, that though he was rich, yet for 
I •■ our sakes he became poor, that we through his poverty 
might be made rich." In order to lead men to humbly 
appreciate the Infinite love of the compassionate Kedeem- 
: er 5 these good men as fathers of the denomination, were 
| eelf-denying and grace-depending, and doubtless could 
I i say in all their travels, with the Apostle, " God forbid that 
I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." 
: ■ And also, "We -have this -treasure in Earthen Vessels, 
that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not 
of us." Kow such a ministry, rich in faith, and the grace 
of God, and divinely instructed by the power and Spirit 
of Him who spake as never man spake, could not be with- 
out its influence, and could not with any real degree of 
consistency be denominated an ignorant ministry. It was 



122 JJFE, LABOES, AND TRAVELS, 

just such a ministry as is needed in any age of popular 
dependence on literary educational qualification for so 
great a work. 

Now if the present ministry in the denomination, with 
greater literary advantage, in keeping pace with the edu- 
cational improvement of the present age, should possess 
the same living faith, and practice the same holy self-de- 
nial, and grace-depending spirit of those good fathers of 
the denomination, might not their influence be greater in 
continuing on what they begun? And would not the 
light of gospel liberty shine greater in all our churches ? 
I venture to say, no one can doubt it. "We cannot doubt 
the importance, and advantage of an educated ministry 
for the present age, to labor for the successful overthrow 
of the kingdom of darkness, in all its combined popular 
influence. The ministry should have a practical knowl- 
edge of the moral, and political condition of the world. 
They should be studied in a thorough knowledge of hu- 
man nature, and the motives, feeling and influences that 
impel men to action. And the more thorough his knowl- 
edge is, in the field of literary and scientific research the 
better. It is an age of skepticism and gross error. The 
human mind is in opposition to the truth of God's holy 
word ; but not in the spirit of mobocratic opposition, as 
in the days of the fathers. Under the rule of Satanic 
influence, there is employed the most cunning sophistry 
and false-reasoning, to dupe the weak and unlearned, and 
misrepresent the great design of an Infinite God, in the 
plan and purposes of his Government, for the benefit of 
the world. The human mind must be convinced in order 
to be convicted. If the ministry " is set for the defence 
of the gospel," none can doubt if ministers are to be suc- 
cessful the more they know, and the more they feel, the 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 129f 

! greater will be the power of their action in the world. 
And the greater their knowledge of history, both ecclesi- 
astical and profane, and of philosophy, and law, and the 
I different departments of language, the more efficient they 
will be in their calling. And if they would fulfil the 
Apostolic injunction, "Study to show thyself approved 
unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, 
rightly dividing the word of truth," no one would have 
. opportunity to complain of ignorance or inefficiency among, 
the ministry of the present age. It is immaterial wheth- 
, er this knowledge is gained in the Collegiate or Academic 
| halls, or under the discipline of self-culture in the mid- 
night study, or in manual labor, amidst the daily avoca- 
tions of life. I venture to say if a voice from the silent 
grave of those holy men of the past could come to our 
ears, it would justify these remarks in willing approval. 
During the month of August, Elder Bowles made a tour 
'to the south part of the State, in company with Elder 
Bachelder. He visited the towns of Washington, Corinth 
and Orange, and preached in each place. 23d, he spent 
the night at brother "Wliitcher's, in Danville, and enjoyed 
Jan interesting visit with the family, of whom he speaks 
with warm affection, as being kind to him. 24th, they 
went to Wheelock to attend the Yearly Meeting, convened 
at that place. The Conference was well attended, but 
some trials were presented which seemed to render it less, 
.interesting, but still the Spirit of Christ seemed to pervade 
the meeting. He spent the night at brother Elkin's, 
where he enjoyed a happy season with the family, and 
the friends who tarried there. 25th, the Conference as- 
sembled for business. At two o'clock, Elder Bowles 
preached the introductory sermon with good liberty, from 
.-Nehemiah 2d : 20th, " The God of heaven, He will pros- 



124 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

per us, therefore we His servants will arise and build. 
But you Lave no portion, nor right, nor memorial in Je- 
rusalem." The sermon was followed by some weighty 
exhortations, and a good degree of interest was manifest 
in the meeting. In the evening the brethren held a prayer 
meeting at brother Elkin's ; it was a solemn, weeping, 
rejoicing time. A. spirit of revival pervaded the meeting, 
and some good we think was done in the name of Jesus 
of Nazareth. Sabbath, 26th, the Yearly Meeting met at 
the Meeting House for public worship. Two sermons were 
preached by Elders Quinby, and Bachelder, which were 
very interesting and instructive. . The Yearly Meeting 
closed with, a good degree of interest, and. Elder Bowles 
left ana went to Huntington. On his way, he was called 
upon to attend and preach the tuneral sermon of a child 
of brother Gross. He. had good liberty in speaking, and 
his soul seemed to launch out into the. deep waters of a 
tree salvation. 29th, he went to. "Waterbury, and stopped 
at brother Darling's, where he was received and enter- 
tained in a true christian manner ; he enjoyed a happy 
visit with this family. 30th, he visited some of the breth- 
ren and friends, and then went on to Bolton and Richmond, 
visiting and praying as he went, endeavoring to comfort 
and encourage the saints, and warn the sinner. 

Sabbath, September 2d, he preached in Huntington, at 
brother Barrows ; a large congregation assembled to hear 
the glorious gospel once more from the mouth of him, 
whom heaven appointed, regardless of his complexion, 
and their hearts were cheered as they listened to the gra- 
cious promises which were held out to wretched man. 
During the week he visited Burlington and drew his pen- 
sion, then visited at Shelbourne and Starksboro, preaching 
and visiting as he journeyed. He speaks at this time of 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 1&5 

some trials of mind and feebleness of body, but a strong 
confidence in God, and hope in the Savior. Saturday, 
6th, he attended Covenant Meeting in Huntington, at 
brother Turrill's, where he enjoyed a good refreshing sea- 
son from the presence of the Lord. 

Sabbath, 7th, he preached in Huntington, on Brown's 
Hill, where some indications appeared of an evident in- 
terest in the good work of the Lord. 14th, he went to 
the Quarterly Meeting at Charlotte, and met the ministers 
in their Conference in the afternoon. They enjoyed an 
interesting season together, giving and receiving mutual 
instruction. Such seasons are pleasant and profitable, 
where ministers come together in the true spirit of their 
Master, as brethren and equals, with none of the spirit to 
^'loi it over God's heritage." 15th, the Quarterly Meet- 
ing Conference met and enjoyed a good season. The 
preaching was in power and deeply interesting. In the 
evening he preached and the power of the gospel was felt 
upon many hearts ; one soul found peace in believing, and 
joy in the Holy Ghost, and several backsliders were re- 
claimed from their lost condition. 

Sabbath, 16th, Elder Bowles says, " I felt happy this 
imorning in soul and body, and praised God in the fullness 
of joy. 55 Both husband and wife were deeply convicted, 
and bowed with him around the family altar, which was 
erected that morning for the first time, and besought the 
Divine mercy and forgiveness on their sin-stained souls. 
They then repaired to the house for public worship, where 
a large congregation had assembled ; here they enjoyed a 
an interesting prayer meeting before the preaching ; some 
manifested their desire for an interest in the redemption 
of Christ. At ten o'clock, Elder Bachelder preached an 
excellent sermon ; it was delivered and felt in power. In 



126 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

the afternoon, Elder Nathaniel Bowles preached and was 
followed by many very weighty exhortations, and a deep 
impression was produced on the audience. At the pray- 
er meeting in the evening several came forward for prayers. 
For several days Elder Bowles spent his time in visiting 
from house to house during the day, and preaching in the 
evening, in the different parts of the town. Several were 
convicted and converted in these meetings, and his ears 
were often saluted with the joyous sound of the happy 
convert's voice in praising God, as also the sorrowing cry 
of the penitent mourner begging to God for mercy. 

September 21st, he held a meeting on Brown's Hill, in 
Huntington, in company with brother Roberson. He 
preached a sermon, and after some exhortation from the 
brethren, he gave an invitation to all who felt a desire to 
l>e united in a Free Will Baptist Church, to come forward. 
.Seventeen came for that purpose. He gave them a sol- 
emn charge in relation to their duty to God and one an- 
other ; they all joined hands in token of their union and 
fellowship as christian brethren. He gave them the hand 
of fellowship, and in prayer commended them to God, 
and then declared them a church of the Free Will Bap- 
tist order. The little church started with a good prospect 
in the midst of a glorious revival, and bid fair *o become 
a strong branch of the Zion of God. 

23d, he went to Hillsboro and held metting ; the Spirit 
gave him liberty in the place ; he preached two sermons 
and then attended to the ordinance of baptism at the in- 
termission. The seal of Heaven's approbation rested on 
the ordinance ; the candidates were truly happy in the 
discharge of duty. God made bear his arm in mighty 
power. In the evening he held a meeting at brother El- 
liot's. Quite a number bowed in prayer, one soul came 



OF ELD. CHAELES BOWLES. 127 

into liberty and shouted the praise of the Lord. Some 
personally urged the brethren to pray for them. He now- 
felt that he must leave them in the hands of God. Duties 
in other places called him away ; but he with a heart 
warm with christian sympathy, commended them to the 
communion and fellowship of Heaven. After visiting 
among his friends in Shelbourne and Huntington, he went 
on the 27th to attend a Church Meeting at Hinesburg, in 
an affair between Elder Manard and the church. After 
a meeting of great trial, it was adjourned, and groaning 
in spirit, he went back to Huntington to arrange for a 
journey to the eastward among the churches. 

29th, he left Huntington and went on to Duxbury, and 
enjoyed a pleasant visit at Deacon Canada's ; and without 
stopping to hold a meeting among the brethren, he pro- 
ceeded on his way to Corinth, visiting on his way at Mid- 
dlesex, Montpelier, Barry and Washington. On his whole 
route it was one continual meeting. The Spirit of the 
Lord seemed to go on before him, and over him, like 
the pillar and the cloud before and over the camp of the 
Israelites, through the wilderness. And he felt the con- 
tinual presence of the Lord of Hosts. Sabbath, 30th, he 
says, " I felt a solemn cry in my soul that the God of vic- 
tory would appear in all his power, and rend Ahab, and 
tear the Dragon in pieces, and give victory to Zion." He 
spent several days in holding meetings at Brother Slack's 
Thorn's, Crook's and others, until the 6th October. He then 
started on his way to Tunbridge to attend the Yearly 
Meeting which was to be held near that place. He visit- 
ed brother Hacket and others, previous to the meeting ; 
they enjoyed a warm and mutual interchange of christian 
congratulation. It was the Apostolic usage in salutation 
in these friendly meetings. He spent the night at Elder 



128 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

Hacket's, and speaks of the visit as peculiarly pleasant to 
him. 

On the 7th of October, he went on to Strafford, where 
the Yearly Meeting was to convene. In the Conference, 
he met with many of his brethren \ both the ministers and 
| laymen. He says, "The Lord appeared at the beginning 
x ©f the meeting, and it gathered like a cloud of rain." — 
On the Sabbath, it was judged that about three thousand 
people met together. In the prayer meeting many hearts 
were lifted to God ; it was a time of great solemnity, the 
brethren and sisters seemed resolved to lean on the strong 
arm of the Lord for help. In the meeting for preaching, 
it was at once seen that the holy cloud rested over the 
camp. Elders Moss, Allen and Woodman preached pow- 
erful sermons, which were followed by weighty and sol- 
emn exhortations from the brethren and sisters. It was a 
time of the ImmanueFs power ; the sinner trembled, and 
the poor backslider felt the alarm. He says, "My cry 
was, Lord send down enough of the power that the peo- 
ple may all bow to thee. I wanted to see my brethren 
feel more of the holy reformation power from God, that 
there might be a travail in Zion." In the evening he went 
down to Strafford Hollow and preached to a large con- 
gregation, with great liberty . The Yearly Meeting closed 
with good prospects of a good work of grace in the place. 
On Monday, he visited during the day, and preached in 
the evening. On Tuesday, he went to Hanover and put 
up at brother Samuel Will's, He spent one week in 
Hanover and preached eight sermons, and although he 
endured some trials, he left the place giving glory to God 
for His holy and continued presence, in enabling him to 
proclaim the gospel of glad tidings to his fellow-men. 
He says, "I knew my heart felt lifted to God, that he 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 129 

would spread the light of His glory all over this region, 
that men may bow to him." Many gave up the rebellion 
and bowed to the Cross in deep penitence. 

On the 16th, he took his leave of the brethren in Han- 
over and returned to Vermont. He visited at brother 
Sleeper's at Corinth, then at brother Clement's at Yer- 
shere. Here he was called to visit a woman lying at the 
point of death, and in great distress of mind ; she had 
once been a professor of religion, but had backslidden 
from God. The Elder had. a great struggle of soul for 
her ; she seemed to tremble as she stood on the brink of 
eternity, about to appear before a just God ; she cried 
greatly to God for mercy. He now left the place and 
wended his way toward Huntington. He visited at broth- 
er Stevens' at Montpelier, then went to Duxbury, Bolton 
and Eichmond, and on Sabbath, 21st, he went to Hun- 
tington, and preached to a large congregation. 24th, he 
went to Hinesburg to attend the Church Meeting, in the 
difficulty between Elder Manard and the church. After 
a trying time, the business came to a close, and the mat- 
ter was settled. Elder Eowles returned to Huntington, 
and there, and at Shelbourne, Hillsboro, and Charlotte, 
he spent quite a length of time in his gospel labors, in 
building up the interest of Zion. He met with some 
warm and sincere friends, and some severe trials, on ac- 
count of false friendship. He expressed himself thus on 
this point, " Lord save me from false and pretended 
friends ; but one thing I have to comfort me, that the 
honest and sincere man will stand, and endure hardness 
as a good soldier, when the false and deceitful will fail." 
It was peculiar of Elder Bowles that the opinion of the 
world, true or false, although it often brought a trial to 
his mind, never induced him to show himself false, or dis- 



130 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

honest to the cause of God, or falter from the right path. 
As a man of God, he ever stood ready to do his duty. 

^November 3d, he attended Monthly Meeting with the 
new church in Ilillsboro. It was to him and the 
brethren, a precious season; several converts came out to. 
the meeting, and told what God had done for their. souls. 
Two came forward and joined the church.. It was the 
first Monthly meeting the church had held ; the brethren 
seemed encouraged and strengthened. Sabbath, 4th, El- 
der Bowles went into the grove after the family duties 
were done in the house where he had spent the night. — 
There in nature's great temple, the God of Abraham and 
Isaac, who appeared to Jacob while on his way to Paclan- 
Aram, appeared unto him, to endow him anew for the du- 
ties of the day. He says, " I cried unto the Lord to help 
me, and my mind came out into the clear light. I went 
to the meeting rejoicing, where my soul felt lifted to the 
Throne of God. I had a good time in speaking ; there 
was a mighty trembling in the meeting ; more than forty 
brethren and sisters spoke of the power and goodness of 
the Lord. I believe that God will own this meeting to 
His own glory, and the little cloud will overspread Zion. 
A good many in this region have been brought out into 
the -liberty of Jesus ; the spirit of reformation is sound- 
ing all over this region, glory to God. "We have some 
loving precious families in this community." 

Sabbath, 18th, in company with Elders Lord and Hunt- 
ley, he attended meeting at Huntington, and broke bread 
to the church. In this, amidst the abundance of his la- 
bors, and witnessing its glorious results, he felt truly that 
his soul fed on the bread of heaven. At brother Pike's, 
in company with those brethren, he seemed to throw him- 
self into the cause, and gave all the glory to the Eedeem- 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 131 

er. And to highten the joy of his soul, lie received a 
letter this day from Warren, JSTew Hampshire, giving him 
the happy intelligence that his daughter Sarah had just 
been converted to God, and also his daughter Eunice was 
under deep conviction, and was seeking the Lord with all 
her heart. This to him was glad news — his companion 
had been called away from him by death — his children 
were scattered abroad in the world, and exposed to temp- 
tation — he had commended them to God, as a kind chris- 
tian parent, and to see them coming into the fold of Jesus, 
w r as to him a delight. 

He continued his meeting in the place during the week, 
until Sabbath 24th. He preached at brother Hill's during 
the clay ; the power of God was felt in the meeting, In 
the evening, among those who came forward to be prayed 
for, were some who until this time, had not been induced 
to act at all as enquirers after truth; they now seemed 
penitent. He says, " This week my soul felt the enlarge- 
ment of the kingdom of God. I can truly say that in 
some of our meetings, the inhabitants of the Bock did 
sing, and those on the top of the Mountain did rejoice in 
the God of our Salvation. I think I never saw the saints 
of God come up to the help of the Lord better, with 
strength from God. We have had some good trembling, 
loving, weeping, shouting times. Glory to God, my soul 
has been happy on the way, even amidst trials." Elder 
Howies could doubtless, say with the good Apostle, " AH 
things shall work together for good, to them that love 
God." 

On Thursday, the 6th day of December, being the An- 
nual Thaksgiving in the State, he preached a sermon at 
brother Elliott's in Hillsboro. He says, "We felt 
truly and sensibly thankful to God, that he had crowned 



132 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

the ye tr with the abundant blessing in the good things of 
earth, and given us life and health to enjoy it. "We felt 
thankful that his mercy had led us on, to escape so many 
dangers that so often beset our path, and threaten our 
safety on every side." It is evident that Elder Bowles 
was not governed in his feelings of thanksgiving, by the 
Executive proclamation of the State, but in all things that 
he did, " whether he ate or drank, he would do all to the 
glory of God." In the evening the meeting was attended 
with Divine power ; the brethren and sisters got hold on 
the Holy Altar in living faith ; some backsliders felt the 
power of the Spirit and began to cry out for mercy, and 
a! good number of the impenitent came out before the 
congregation and begged for the prayers of God's people ; 
two found pardon through the Blood of the Lamb, and 
gave glory to God. The meeting was held at brother 
Ewer's in the evening. 

On the 8th, he attended Monthly Meeting with the 
church at Huntington, at brother Turrill's. And on Sab- 
bath, 9th, he preached to an interesting and attentive 
congregation in the forenoon at the school-house. In the 
afternoon he attended a funeral in company with Elder 
Bennet. Elder Bennet preached the sermon, and Elder 
Bowles addressed the mourners and made the concluding 
prayer. In the discharge of duty at a funeral, he was able 
and efficient, and by the aid of the Divine Spirit, always 
left a favorable impression on the minds of his audience. 
In the evening lie preached at brother Pray's ; the solem- 
nity of the day in the public duties had left so deep an 
impression, it now began to manifest itself with power; 
the brethren united with him in the services of the meet- 
ing with warm hearts; the exhortations and prayers 
breathed a deep devotion to the cause of God, and deep 
sympathy for the impenitent. 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 133 

10th, he went to Hinesburg. He says, "We had a 
blessed good time. I believe that God is spreading the 
work in great power, and my cry is, ride on King Jesus, 
let thy kingdom be glorious." He expresses much grati- 
tude that the people were preparing him some clothing 
for winter, and truly no man ever labored more deserv- 
ingly of being made comfortable than he, for he was in 
the work continually, his whole aim was to benefit souls. 
He continued in Huntington, laboring constantly until 
the 27th. He complained of being unwell in body, but 
in mind he felt sustained by his great Master. He had 
some interesting meetings in the place and often spoke o'f 
the display of Infinite power. He went into many fami- 
lies to comfort the sick, and encourage the mourner to 
come directly to Christ for mercy ; and although he did 
not meet in every house that cordial christian greeting, 
he ever acted as a servant of Him who met with contu- 
mely and scorn, while in his holy life and labors, he set 
an example for his followers in righteousness to be ac- 
cepted of Gocl. 

On the 28th, he started for Bolton, and held a meeting 
in the evening. 29th, he went to Waterbury, and met 
the brethren in the Monthly Meeting ; he preached in the 
evening. As he returned to his lodging he seemed to feel 
deeply for the poor sinner, and he was heard to repeat the 
words of the Poet — 

" O ! if poor sinners did but know. 
How much for them I undergo, 
They would not treat me with contempt, 
Nor curse me, when I cry Repent." 

He spent some days in Waterbury and Stowe, laboring 
constantly day and night, and attended a Monthly Meeting 
with both churches. He began to feel a great trial on 



134 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

his mind, especially on Sabbath, December 30th ; he had 
an appointment to fill on that day, and he says, " It seem- 
ed as though all the powers of darkness were let loose 
on my mind. After breakfast I tried to look up to God 
from the family altar, but it was all dark to me ; sisters 
Amy and Mercy Davis, both knelt with me and the fam- 
ily, and they both lifted me up to the Throne by faith and 
prayer — the light began to break into my soul — I went to 
my appointment — my soul was on the wing — I could sing 
with the Poet — 

t "1 love the Lord, he heard my cry, 

And pitied every groan, 
Long as I live, when trouble's nigh, 
I'll hasten to His Throne." 

He spoke with great power in the meeting. His soul 
appeared to be in the perfect liberty of the gospel ; the ef- 
fect of the meeting was glorious ; the babel of darkness 
began to tremble. Thus we see the effect of prayer. O ! 
if the ministers of Jesus could enjoy the benefit of more 
praying by brethren and sisters, when they feel the dark 
clouds come over the mind, they would oftener enjoy 
greater liberty in presenting to mankind the great truths 
of Heaven. It is deeply to be regretted, that too many 
of our churches throw all the responsibility of the work, 
both of speaking, and praying, and sympathising, on the 
ministry. And if they are in the dark, the membership 
will wait in supineness, until they are in the light and 
liberty again. But the example of the sisters in prayer 
with and for Elder Bowles, is worthy of imitation by all 
the membership of Zion at the present day, that the min- 
istry may enjoy help. 

Thus ended another year of his faithful labors, with the 
same unwavering exertions with which it commenced. To 



OE ELD. CHABLES BOWLES. 135 

labor in his Master's cause, was his chief delight, and to 
see that cause successful was his chief, his highest joy. 
And indeed when he could discover no visible signs of 
good in revival power, he was sure soon to leave for a 
more promising field of labor. That this course is always 
commendable, we do not pretend. ¥e do not always see 
things as they are, and we must often " walk by faith, 
and not by sight." But his gift and manner of preaching 
was best adapted to an itinerant life. Had he spent his 
life as a Pastor of some particular church, perhaps he 
might have seen but small results of his labor. Thus the 
year has passed off, and with it its labors, to be revealed 
at the Judgment. 



CHAPTER IX. 

1822 — The Death of an Old Saint — His Labors in Huntington — Re- 
vival Interest — He Baptizes Several — Attends the Huntington Quar- 
terly Meeting — Preaches, at Jerico — Prejudice against his Color — 
Returns to Huntington — His Visit to the Grove — His Labors in 
Randolph — A Powerful Revival in Randolph and Brookfield. 

1822. Another year is before him, with its duties and 
responsibilities ; bnt his heart does not falter at their pre- 
sentation, nor does his faith fail in the God from whom 
he receives all his hopes. His soul is nerved for new con- 
flicts in the holy cause, and his heart is prepared for other 
trials. January 2d, he left for Huntington. One of the 
first duties he was called upon to discharge, was to attend 
the funeral of an old man of over ninety, a resident of 
the town of Starksbury. Thus he was admonished at the 
very commencement of the year, that mortality had fixed 
its seal upon all mankind, and that every departure of 
man, serves but to remind us that our time is short in this 
life, and ought to be improved to the best advantage. 
This old soldier of the Cross had filled up the measure of 
his days in usefulness. His death was sudden. But a 
few days before his death he was at meeting, and exhort- 
ed the people, telling them that it was his dying testimony. 
Thus he had gone from labor to reward. This occasion 
was improved by Elder Bowles, to give weight to the 
word preached at this time. 

5th, he attended a Monthly Meeting with the brethren 
at Shelbourne, and enjoyed a good season. Sabbath, he 
preached at brother Elliott's to a large and solemn con- 



OF ELD. CHAULES BOWLES. 137 

gregation, and broke bread to the church. The commun- 
ion season was solemn ; a deep interest was felt in the 
meeting. More than fifty were under deep conviction 
among the impenitent. The church enjoyed a precious 
season, while five precious souls found peace in believing 
and joy in the holy ghost. He spent the night in the 
family of brother Bushnell, where he enjoyed a pleasant 
visit. 8th, he went to Huntington to attend to some bu- 
siness in relation to his pecuniary affairs. "While in the 
place he visited the brethren, to pray with them and stir 
up their mind in preparation for the Quarterly Meeting, 
which was soon to be held in the place ; he says of him- 
self at this time, "I never enjoyed more of the love of 
the Redeemer than now." 11th, he attended the Quar- 
terly Meeting at this place and took a deep interest in the 
Conference which met on the 12th. The reports from the 
churches were very encouraging. On Sabbath, 13th, the 
congregation was so large for the public worship, the 
brethren were obliged to divide the meeting, as one house 
could not contain the people. The meetings were deeply 
interesting ; the word was preached in power, and the 
brethren and sisters came forward with their testimonies 
with much interest. He spent a few days in the place 
after the meeting. 17th, he left to attend the Corinth 
Quarterly Meeting to be holden in Corinth ; but before 
he left, he had a great struggle in prayer for brother Gil- 
let's daughter, where he spent the night. She was under 
deep conviction, and felt deeply her need of a Savior. 

On the 18th, he went to Berlin and spent the night at 
brother Strong's. 19th, he got to Corinth to attend the 
Quarterly Meeting. In the Conference it was to him a 
precious season. Brothers Pope and Robinson related 
their christian experience and call to the ministry, and 



138 LIFE, LABOKS, A3SD TKAVELS, 

they were received by the Conference for ordination. 
The letters from the churches bore a good report ; the 
brethren seemed to feel that the strong arm of God was 
lifting his Zion above the power of the enemy. On Sab- 
bath, 20th, an immense congregation met at the meeting 
honse. Elder King preached the ordaining sermon from 
2d Timothy 2d : 15th, " Study to show thyself approved 
unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed ; 
rightly dividing the word of truth." The brethren of the 
council then inducted brother Pope into the office of the 
gospel ministry by prayer and the laying on of hands. 
It was a solemn and interesting season. In the afternoon 
Elder Hacket preached a weighty sermon ; it was follow- 
ed by many weighty and spiritual exhortations from the 
brethren and sisters, and the meeting closed with much 
interest. The holy presence of God appeared in the 
midst of his people. He went from the meeting to Wash- 
ington, the adjoining town, and for several days he had 
to watch at the bed-side of his daughter Deborah, who 
lay very sick, yet still he kept the holy armor on, ready 
for warfare ; he often stood among the people, lifting his 
voice in the name of Jesus. In every meeting during 
this tour, he witnessed much of the power of the Lord 
manifested among the people ; his whole soul seemed to 
cry, Lord roll on the victory of the Gross ; send out thy 
great salvation ; let thy saints rejoice in thee. 
On leaving the Corinth Quarterly Meeting he visited at 
Montpelier, Middlesex, Duxbury, and Waterbury, on his 
way to Huntington. In each place he held meetings, and 
strove to strengthen and encourage the brethren ; he seem- 
ed to act as a sort of evangelical pastor, over all the 
churches within the field of his travel. And why should 
he not feel an interest in their spiritual welfare ? He had 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 139 

been instrumental in the hands of God, in the organiza- 
tion of the most of them ; he had given them ths hand 
of fellowship, in welcoming them into the fellowship of 
the Free "Will Baptist denomination ; he had led many of 
their membership down into the liquid stream, and for 
many of them he had bowed at the throne of grace, and 
struggled for their deliverance into gospel liberty. And 
as it was with the good Apostle, Elder Bowles wept and 
prayed for them in christian care, and for them he toiled 
on, amidst storm or calm, cold or heat, to serve them with 
the bread of eternal life. If for the time being his labors 
in the Huntington Quarterly Meeting cease, he is off to the 
Corinth, then to the Strafford, or the Wheelock, the Rut- 
land or Enosburg Quarterly Meetings. The churches in 
all of these were clear to him by the bonds of chistian 
love in the power of the redemption of the cross of Je- 
sus. At Middlesex he enjoyed a pleasant home at brother 
Barnet's ; he spent one week there holding meetings ev- 
ery evening at the school-house, at the same place on 
Sabbath the 10th. On the 11th, on arriving at Duxbury, 
he felt grieved to find that a trial had sprung up in the 
church, and his coming among them at this time was 
most opportune, and gave him the chance to check the 
difficulty in the bud ; he says of his labor here at that 
time, " I began at once to lift my soul in prayer to God. 
I felt that we needed the aid of his strong arm to lift us 
up. Glory to his name, he came in power to save us 
from a serious difficulty." My readers are aware that 
Satan often attempts, and too often with success, to get 
his dividing hoof among brethren, and too often to the 
weakening the strong hold of Zion ; and thank God, noth- 
ing can so effectually baffle his wicked schemes as the 
spirit and power of the gospel, sanctified to the hearts of 
God's dear faithful children. 



14:0 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

On the 15th, he went to Huntington, and met the breth- 
ren in the evening ; he found some happy in the hope of 
heaven, and giving glory to God, whom he had left mourn- 
ing in their sins. The work of reformation was spreading 
all around; he could say with a gospel heart, " ride on 
all conquering king, ride on. Thy kingdom come, thy 
will be done. Let heaven and earth agree to sound abroad 
thy worthy name, till all our souls shall be on flame, to 
rise and reign with thee." On Sabbath, 17th, he preached 
with the church and broke bread to the brethren and sis- 
ters. On the 19th, he met a large congregation and de- 
livered to them the word of life, and then led several 
happy candidates into the water and buried them in bap- 
tism in the likeness of the holy Redeemer. The candidates 
went from the water shouting and praising God. After 
he got to the house, one woman began to confess that she 
had neglected duty ; while she was speaking to the peo- 
ple, the power of God came down, she fell to the floor, 
and lay sometime ; when she revived and began to speak 
she wanted to go forward in baptism ; the church gave 
her fellowship, and Elder Bowles led her down into the 
water and buried her in baptism, and then gave them all 
the hand of fellowship into the visible church. He went 
on Saturday to Starksbury, in company with Elder Rob- 
inson, and on Sabbath, 29th, they held meetings together. 
They found several under deep conviction ; they begged 
for mercy, and the cry sounded loud in the meeting, and 
the work seemed to be spreading in all parts of the town. 

On the 27th, he went to Bristol and attended the funer- 
al of sister Holcomb ; it was a solemn time among the 
people ; the revival spirit was spreading, and the solem- 
nity of death had come on the mind while it was yet 
tender, and the spirit of God seemed to lead them out 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 141 

into the solemn consideration of the judgment. In the 
evening he attended meeting in the same place ; many 
were anxiously seeking an interest in the Redeemer's 
blood, and thank God, delivering power came down in 
the midst of the people, and amidst the cry of the anx- 
ious mourners came up the shout of the redeemed from 
the power of sin and death. g 

He continued in Bristol until the 2d of March, holding 
meetings every evening, and visiting during the day ; he 
then went to Starksbury, March 2d, and attended Month- 
ly Meeting with the church ; and preached on Sabbath 
the 3d ; the revival continued unabated ; he says, " One 
man came to me in great anguish of soul, and said he felt 
himself a great sinner, and that there was no mercy for 
Mm ; he begged me to beg for him at a throne of grace ; 
brothers Holcomb and Bushnel got hold with me by faith, 
and we laid hold on the strong arm of the Lord, and God 
heard the prayer of faith and brought deliverance to the 
poor man, and the dear creature gave glory to God. I 
believe that God will own that meeting to his own name's 
glory." 

On Monday, 5th, he went to Shelbourne; he says, "I 
went on my way singing — 

"Glory to God, that sent his Son, 

To die for crimes that I had done, 
And made Salvation mine." 
I felt well in body and mind, my soul seemed to be lifted 
on high. O, how sweet and blessed is the way of life and 
salvation to my poor soul, glory to God." Thus we see 
him in the confidence and enjoyment of infinite love. In 
Shelbourne, he visited brother Hill, an old gentleman, 
and enjoyed with him a happy visit; he also visited sev- 
eral other families from day to day, with the object con- 



142 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

stantly before Mm of comforting the sick, and keeping 
the mind of the sinner directed to the cross. He went 
from Shelbourne to Burlington, to get his pension from 
the Government ; but on the way he visited and prayed 
with the people in many families, not willing while in the 
discharge of temporal duties to lose sight of the great 
work of gospel labor ; this was according to Paul's advice 
to Timothy, "Instant in season and out of season,'' audit 
was true of Elder Bowles, he did " Eeprove, rebuke, and 
admonish, with all long-suffering and godliness." He 
says, " On my way back from Burlington, I got my mind 
in a re very ; I began to sink down into the spirit of the 
work ; my cry to God was, i Lord revive thy work, and 
O pity poor sinful man, bound to the judgment — think of 
poor Zion in tears and groans — think of the poor ministry, 
in toil and weariness, and O, think of the dying love of 
my dear compassionate Eedeemer.' My soul got into the 
deep channel of the gospel, and got hold by living faith 
in God." Now, dear reader, if all the ministers of the 
holy Jesus could get into this travail of soul, and the 
membership of Zion would appreciate it as they ought, 
what deep toned religious feeling would pervade the 
church of God. The spirit of the work often fills the 
heart of God's deai servants with indescribable joy, and 
amidst bodily afflictions they can say with the good Apos- 
tle, "If I must reach glory, I will glory in the things that 
belong to my infirmity, for they work in me a far more 
exceeding and eternal weight of glory," and again as the 
Apostle says, " I live by faith in the Son of God." 

Elder Bowies spent some time in Huntington holding 
meetings, particularly at the Gore, a neighborhood where 
he took great delight in meeting with his brethren in the 
prayer and other religious meetings. On Sabbath, he 






OF ELD. CHAELES BOWLES. 143 

preached at the Thomas school-house in Huntington. It 
was a time of great power; he says, u It was a shouting 
time, many of the brethren got so happy they gave glory 
to God, until it seemed the very foundation of the king- 
dom of Satan trembled." He attended the ordinance of 
baptism — the season was truly solemn — the impenitent 
trembled and some wept and manifested deep feeling, and 
said, " Pray for me." During the week, he met with an 
accident that seemed to impress him more with gratitude 
at the goodness of God. lie was thrown from his horse, 
though he was not seriously injured, it was a narrow es- 
cape ; he says, " I went on my way, and my soul was 
happy as I sung — 

" Prepare me Lord, for thy right hand, 
Then come the joyfui clay, 

Come death or some celestial kind, 
To bear my soul away." 

A heart that can breathe forth such sentiments as these, 

can always feel happy in or out ! <■' : i^gei^ and in or out 
of meeting, and thank God, it is always one continual 
meeting to such a soul. He went to Alder Brook school- 
house and met a large congregation ; the presence of the 
Lord was with him; the spirit of reformation shone forth 
in great power. He did not get weary in preaching, nor 
did the brethren get weary in following Kim up with 
exhortations, as testimonies ih f*ivo'- oi he claims of 
the Redeemer.' And if it is true as is oileii expressed 
that it takes the whole church to preach the gospel, that 
declaration was emphatically fulfilled in the co-operation 
he -received from his brethren. If he planted in the name 
of the Lord, others with him watered. "When he labored 
for the harvest of souls, others entered with him into the 
labor with a kindred spirit of christian activity. 



144 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

On Sabbath, March 31st, he preached at Starksboro, in 
the morning he was in the grove and spent some time in 
communion with heaven ; he went from the grove to the 
pulpit, with his soul kindled up with the holy fire of God's 
infinite love. He says, " I felt to ask God to give me 
some sign that my labors would be blessed in this place, 
and that I might hear the voice of the sinner crying this 
day for mercy ; and glory to God, I am not disappointed, 
the begging of poor sinners for mercy and the trembling 
look of the poor backslider has gone to my soul. O, my 
blessed Jesus, how I love thy salvation — how I love to 
point sinners to thy bleeding body and tell of the victo- 
ries of the cross. I love to hear that voice that stilled the 
troubled waters, calm the poor sinners soul from fear, and 
bid him live in thee." 

He felt a sore affliction in sympathy with the family of 
brother Terrill ; the old gentleman had been recently re- 
moved from them by death. Brother Bowles speaks of 
them with much affectionate regard, and says " My soul 
felt to mourn with them ; I felt to cry unto the Lord to 
make up the loss to the afflicted widow and children, by 
being a husband and father to them." He next went to 
a house near by, to visit and pray with a woman who was 
in the agonies of death. He could feel the enjoyment of 
Jesus' love and sympathy in all domestic affliction. As 
Jesus wept with Martha and Mary, so could he with com- 
passion ; and as one noble characteristic of a good gospel 
minister, he was not slow in getting to the bed-side of the 
sick, or to the house of the mourner. Thank God, he felt 
it to be one part of his great mission to " Comfort those 
that mourn, and bind up the broken-hearted." During 
his visits, he found some happy in God, and some mourn- 
ing for sin and in deep distress. At brother Norton's he 
found several such. 



OF ELD. CHAKLES BOWLES. 145 

April 7th, he preached two sermons in the place ; he 
•enjoyed good liberty and saw much of the divine spirit 
manifested in directing the power of the word to the 
hearts of the people. He says, " Glory to God, the ref- 
ormation fire still keeps burning, and by the light of it 
some are frequently coming to Zion." Our readers will 
clearly see the bent of his mind, a steady urging the bat- 
tle on against the king's enemies ; and well he might say, 
" The king's business requires haste." He says, in this part 
of his diary, " Although my poor body feels about worn 
down, I love to run in the work of the Lord, if I can on- 
ly see souls saved." On the 13th, he went to Hinesburg 
and held a meeting in the evening at sister Conger's. 
15th, he held a meeting in the evening at brother Daniel 
Adgent's ; he says, " I had a little contest with a believer 
in universal salvation ; a man came into the meeting and 
made light of the doctrine of salvation through repent- 
ance and forgiveness of sins to obtain eternal life through 
Jesus Christ. But glory to God, master Jesus came in 
too, and gave me wisdom and strength to speak, the pow- 
er of God got hold of the man, so that he gave silent 
attention." He went to Huntington and stopped at broth- 
er Ambler's; here he had reason again to rejoice in 
the divine and superintending providence of God; he 
went to pass out of the room, and by mistake went to the 
cellar door, and fell to the bottom of the stairs ; he being 
a heavy man, it was almost a miracle that he did not lose 
his life ; he says, " I went to my bed with a heart full of 
gratitude to my God ; he saved old Daniel from the jaws 
of the lions, so he saved me from the jaws of death, to 
live and see more of his salvation among my fellow-men." 
: On Sabbath, April 21st, he attended meeting at the 
Thomas school-house, enjoying as usual a good time. He 



146 LIFE, LABOES, AND TEAVELS, 

continued to visit, preach, and hold prayer meetings. — 
Sabbath, 28th, he says, " I felt very solemn, my mind 
seemed to be all shut up ; I went to the grove and prayed, 
but felt no better ; I went the second, then the third time, 
when a gentle voice seemed to say to me go foward in 
duty, and God, thy God, will be at thy side ; I went to 
my appointment ; the Lord appeared in great glory ; my 
soul got into liberty ; I preached two sermons and attend- 
ed baptism, and we went from the water like the Eunuch, 
rejoicing." On the 29th, he went to Richmond, and in 
company with Elder "Webster, attended a meetiug on the 
30th, at brother "Wood's ; he preached two sermons to a 
large and interesting congregation, and attended baptism. 
May 4th, he returned to Huntington and attended 
Monthly Meeting, and on Sabbath, 5th, he preached to a 
large congregation and broke bread to the church. Up 
to the 14th of June, he remained in the place, visiting 
every day and holding meetings every night. During June, 
he held meetings in Bolton, Richmond, Starksboro, and 
Shelbourne ; he attended two baptisms and attended sev- 
eral Monthly Meetings and the Quarterly Meeting at 
Starksboro. Still he does not falter in the great work of 
the Lord, but apparently every clay's experience and toil 
increases his interest in the work. At the Quarterly 
Meeting his mind was some disturbed by a trial that came 
in among the brethren in the conference ; but a weighty 
sermon from Elder Webster, followed by some good testi- 
monies from the brethren and sisters seemed to clear the 
clouds away, and the Son of God began to shine, down 
into the meeting. On Saturday the meetiug was deeply 
and solemnly interesting. He says, " The wheels began 
to move in good order." On Sabbath, 16th, the meeting 
was held in Captain Hill's large barn ; an immense con- 



OF ELD. CHAKLES BOWLES. 147 

gregation came together — the people were solemn — the 
biethren were filled with the spirit — the divine cloud 
hung over the place, as of old over the ancient camp of 
Israel — two sermons were preached with power, and the 
ordinance of baptism was attended — a deep impression 
seemed to be left ok the minds of the people. After 
visiting some, and holding a few prayer meetings to en- 
courage the brethren, he left the place, and on the 21st, 
he went to Jerico and attended Monthly Meeting. 22d, 
he attended a Church Meeting with the brethren to settle 
some business matters ; he says of this meeting, "I think 
God will own it to his own name's glory." 23d, he 
preached to a large and attentive congregation. Still 
like all good men, he had Ids trials ; the enemy in con- 
stant fear of losing ground, made continual assaults on 
him from every side ; he being a colored man, the deep- 
rooted prejudice being so rampant in the hearts and ac- 
tion of wicked men, they took hold on that point to oppose 
the cause of religion, and although God displayed his 
mighty power through him, as an able instrument in his 
hunds to shake the empire of sin, there was not found 
) wanting men ready to calumniate, misjudge, and cruelly 
I misrepresent, and constantly endeavor to embarrass his 
mind ; and often his trial on this account was great, not on 
raccount of himself, but for the good of the cause of reli- 
gion ; he mourned that the enemy should do wickedly on 
■ his account, and yet I do not think that Elder Bowles 
would for one moment repine that in the providence of 
iGod he was a colored man. As an evidence of this, I 
\ will here insert a little incident showing the perfect satis- 
faction of his mind: While laboring one time at Pier- 
jpont, St. Lawrence Co., E". Y., at the Howard school 
■house, brother Crary, a "Wesleyan minister of the place, 



148 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

speaking in the meeting, was alluding to the American 
prejudice against color ; turning to Elder Bowles in the 
presence of the audience, he remarked, that no doubt El- 
der Bowles regretted that he was a colored man. Elder 
Bowles' countenance lit up with pleasure, as he answered 
with a strong an emphatic, " No ! never. Hundreds have 
been led to Christ and converted just by my color." 

This being scorned and rejected for the cause of Christ 
and the good of men, and being prompted to do good by 
christian motives, will not be without its reward. In Jer- 
ico a new interest began to apj^ear ; the plants that for a 
time had been withering by adversity, now began to feel 
the effect of the holy gentle showers of God's heavenly 
grace ; a spiritual prospect hove in view. At an appoint- 
ment at brother Joy's, he had great liberty ; the opposi 
tion began to give way ; he says, " Some of the brethren 
and sisters began to reach out for a fuller enjoyment in 
sanctification." By this time his soul began to lift itself 
by faith, as he saw the banner of the cross begin to wave 
over Jerico. He says, " My soul began to sing — 

"I glory in my Savior's grace, 
And sing my great Immanuel's praise, 
My soul now longed to soar away, 
And leave her tenement of clay." 

In some instances the very men who bitterly opposed 
him, met him as his warm friends, and loved to listen to 
his voice. How true the words of the holy bible, " When 
the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord God shall raise 
up a standard against him." From Jerico he went to 
Underhill, and held several meetings with good success ; 
the spirit of the Lord accompanying him in his labors 
in the place. 

On the 25th, he went to Huntington and resumed his 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 149 

labors with the brethren in different parts of the town, 
especially at the Gore. His time was constantly employ- 
ed. 31st, he was called on to attend a funeral, and in 
the morning according to his old custom he went into the 
grove, to fit his soul and mind for the duty. An immense 
concourse of people came together ; he preached from 
Collossians 3d chap. 3d and 4th verses, " For ye are dead 
and your life is hid with Christ in God ; when Christ who 
is our life shall appear, then shall ye appear with him in 
glory." Such events, in tine of religious awakening, if 
rightly managed, often produce a wonderful effect; it 
| throws a deep solemnity over the mind ; it has a tenden- 
cy to disengage it from the tempting vanities of life ; it 
often humbles the soul, and gives the spirit of God free 
course in accompanying the word of life to the human 
mind. ~No one more fully and candidly improved such 
events than Elder Bowles ; he says of the funeral, " I 
tried to make all the advantage of it I could, to secure the 
attention of the people to eternal things." 

Friday, 2d of August, he went in company with broth- 
er Ambler, to visit Underbill ; on the way he held meet- 
ings at Jerico, at brother Joy's. 3d, he attended the 
Monthly Meeting with the brethren at Underbill; he 
found the brethren well engaged, and several converts 
came forward and put themselves under the watch and 
care of the church. On Sabbath, 4th, he attended meet- 
ing at brother Choates and preached to a large congrega- 
tion of people. After the meeting he attended the 
ordinance of baptism, and broke bread to the church. It 
; was a weeping, joyous time ; the old saints shouted aloud 
for joy, and the kingdom of Satan trembled. In the 
evening, the brethren held two prayer meetings, one in 
Underbill and one in Jerico ; although they were but a 



150 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

little ways apart, they were both well attended and the 
Lord appeared in great glory ; joy and gladness ran from 
heart to heart in the meeting ; the brethren seemed to be 
in the spirit of the work. On his return to Huntington, 
lie went to Richmond and Bolton and held meetings. On 
Saturday, 10th of August, he went to Hinesburg and at- 
tended the Monthly Meeting, and returned in the evening 
with brother Ambler. Sabbath, 11th, he preached in 
Huntington ; at noon he attended the ordinance of bap- 
tism; it was a solemn time, the people wept much at the 
water. During the week he held meetings every evening 
and visited from house to house during the days ; a deep 
solemnity seemed constantly resting on the people. 

On Saturday, 17th, he went to Richmond and attended 
Monthly Meeting ; he says, " Some poor penitent souls 
came into the meeting, and after listening to the testimo- 
ny of the brethren they rose up and begged the brethren 
to pray for them." It was truly a time of awakening in 
all parts of God's Zion. On Sabbath, 18th, he held meet- 
ings in Richmond, in company with Elder Robinson. In 
the afternoon Elder Robinson baptized two individuals in 
the name of the Holy Trinity. Elder Bowles had up to 
this time been laboring several months in the Huntington 
Quarterly Meeting ; he had attended on an average two 
Monthly and two Church Meetings each month ; he had 
preached every Sabbath, and almost every evening in each 
week; he had made many hundred family visits, and 
prayed, and exhorted in every house ; he had attended 
nine baptisms, and several funerals. He now felt his 
mind drawn to the east, and he went into the silent grove 
to give himself anew to the great Redeemer, and to com- 
mend his brethren and the churches to the care of God ; 
he could say with the Poet — 



OF ELD. CIIAELES BOWLES. 151 

H "How sweet the hours have passed away, 

Since we have met to sing and pray, 

How loth we've been to leave the place, 

Where Jesus showed his loving face. 

O, could I stay with friends so kind, 
3 How would it cheer my fainting mind, 

j But duty makes me understand, 

n That we must take the parting hand-" 

[[-Elder Bowies' natural sociability, united with his warm 

christian friendship, made him feel an ardent attachment 

to his brethren. and pity for his enemies, and enabled him 

tto enjoy the hospitality of every house where he stopped, 

and feel it to be a pleasant home. 

On the 20th, he left Huntington for the Corinth Quar- 
terly Meeting ; lie held meetings on his way, at Bolton, 
8 Richmond and Buxbury. He. visited brother Barnet's at 
Middlesex, and councilled with some of the brethren. 
22d, he went on to Washington and spent the night at 
ibrother Cheney's. 23d, after visiting his daughter, and 
•.visiting some of the brethren on the way, lie went to 
[Stafford Hollow, to meet in the Elder's Conference of 
ithe Stafford Quarterly Meeting. He says, " This day my 
gsouI is filled with praise to my dear Redeemer, while I 
ilistened to the reports as they came in from the churches, 
rthey speak of the brethren being faithful, and love and 
hinion among the children of God." On Saturday after- 
inoon, 24th, Elder John Buzzell preached a weighty ser- 
Imon. Elder Bowles says, "Brother John got out into the 
.deep waters of the gospel ; the holy ghost came down in 
ithe camp ; the brethren brought forward some weighty 
i exhortations, and thank God, we had the power of the 
king in the camp, and felt that the big gate of glory was 
wide open so that the waters of life run free ; glory to 
God." On this route he held meetings in Corinth, "Wash- 






152 LIFE, LABORS AND TRAVELS, 

ington, Chelsea, Berlin and Orange, and on the 30th, he 
preached a funeral sermon at Montpelier. 31st, he wen 
to Duxbury and attended a Church Meeting, and o: 
Sabbath, September 1st, he held a meeting at brothe 
John Canada's in Duxbury. In all his meetings, he fel 
deep solemnity in prayer for the presence of God to ex 
cite the brethren to interest and awaken the atttention oi 
the impenitent to eternal things. He spent some littl 
time in Duxbury, in manual labor by day, and preaching j, 
at night ; he says, " While my hands have been employ- [ 
ed by day, my soul has been lifting to God in sweet med- E 
itation. I have enjoyed a full foretaste of heavenly glory.' ! ; j 
With Elder Bowles, we can all feel an assurance that re-l 
ligion is a constant and faithful companion to all those | 
who love communion with God ; it accompanies the ser- 
vant of God in any and every condition of life, when they 
will cherish her loving spirit. 

On Sabbath, September 8th, he preached in Hunting-; 
ton. On the 13th, he went to Stowe, to sit in the Elder's 
Conference of the Huntington Yearly Meeting. The 
public worship of the Yearly Meeting was held with the 
Stowe and Waterbury churches, they being near together. 
The reports of the churches came in quite encouraging ; 
this seemed to warm and animate his feelings and enlist 
his christian sympathies more strongly with the brethren 
in the Yearly Meeting, to make one mighty effort to wage 
war on the camp of the enemy. From the Yearly Meet- 
ing he went to Huntington, and for several weeks he was 
engaged in manual labor daily, and holding services in r 
different sections of the town, and on the Sabbaths he 
preached in Huntington, Charlotte, and Richmond. He 
in the time attended two funerals, and visited some among 
the sick. He made the grove his study room, where his 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 153 

soul studied deep into the great things of God's spirit. In 
^the grove, the falling leaf, the fading foliage, the moss- 
-grown oak, gave to it all a sombre appearance that filled 
"his sonl with solemnity in view of the dying condition of 
faen. In that grove, away from manual and intellectual 
yiabor, his mind was free to soai aloft ; here he could look 
from the silent grove, away to Olive's Mount, and by faith 
^learn a lesson of vital importance to his spiritual exist- 
ence ; or he could look from that grove away to Tabor, 
knd by faith, view the king in his glory, in his wonderful 
transfiguration in his kingdom, giving a faint glimpse of 
m idea of the power and effect of his eternal glory, by 
;he ecstacy of Peter's joy. 
On the 7th of November, he left the Huntington Year- 
ly Meeting, went on to Roxbury and held a meeting, vis- 
1 ted among the brethren, then pursued his journey on, 
Hidsiting and preaching at Chelsea, Washington, Corinth, 
Drange, and Topsham. He saw during this route, much 
1)f the power of the great Immanuel, in bringing out the 
ooor backslider into the light. The sick on this route felt 
the benefit of his prayers, for he was often by their bed- 
side. November 29th, he went on through Tunbridge to 
•Randolph, and joined Elder Pope in a protracted effort ; 
'Elder Davis also united with them. The Lord made bear 
'lis arm in power. lie was kindly received and entertain- 
ed by the brethren ; he says in reference to the state of 
things in that community, "I believe that God is prepar- 
ng the way for his work to be revived in power ; a solemn 
weight of heavenly truth seems to hang over, and rest on 
he mind of the community." 

December 1st, he attended meeting at the East village, 
with Elder Pope ; he preached two sermons at the rneet- 
ng house. On the 3d, he went in company with brother 



154 LIFE 5 LAEO 

Thomas to Brookfield, and held a meeting in the evening ; 
the power of the Lord came down on the people, and 
seven came forward for prayers ; he sajs, "Such was the 
power and effect of the spirit on the hearts of the people, 
and the cry for mercy, the brethren, began to settle down 
in the work, and urged God to lay too his helping hand ; 
they remained on their knees in the mighty struggle in 
prayer about two hours ; several poor mourners came into 
liberty, rejoicing in the Lord." On Wednesday, he at- 
tended Monthly meeting with hren, and preached 
in the evening ; he says, c; The little cloud continued -to 
spread, and the sound of an abundance of rain was heard." 
On Thursday, December 5th, was the Annual Thanksgiv- 
ing in -the State. He went to the school-house on Ayer's 
Brook and preached a sermon from Jonah 2d : 8th ; he 
says, " I think God never favored me more in my life 
than this day ; some in the meeting cried out aloud for 
mercy and poor backsliders came trembling home to their 
father's house. Glory to God, it was a day of great 
thanksgiving to my soul." In the evening he preached 
at the same place ; the power of God seemed to increase ; 
between twenty-five and thirty poor sinners came forward 
for prayers, and the old kingdom of sin and darkness 
trembled in very deed; his soul seemed to be on the con- 
tinual rise to the throne. On the 8th, he held meeting at 
the East village in Handolph, in the meeting-house ; he 
preached in the forenoon, and Elder Pope in the after- 
noon; they were accompanied by Elder liacket. The 
spirit of reformation seemed to be fully roused ; God was 
owning his word daily, in the convincing and the convict- 
ing the hearts of poor sinners. On the 12th, the power 
of God was the most powerfully felt ; after a short ser- 
mon the brethren and sisters gave in their testimonies ; 



OF ELD. CHAELES BOWLES. 155 

: the reformation spirit went through the meeting to such a 

I degree many cried aloud for mercy, and the brethren con- 
: tinned in prayer until about three o'clock in the morning. 
' Ten souls came out into the liberty of the gospel. lie 
i says, " Old Satan's kingdom got an awful shake ; we went 
; from the school-house to brother Blanchard's, but as we 

i got into the house, one woman fell on her knees and cried 

II out, "Lord save, or I am lost ! 0, pray for me ;" I drop- 
ped on my knees, and with others we struggled about 
l one hour ; God came down and set her soul at liberty. 
( Eut others began to cry for help from God, but my bodily 
' strength had so much gone, I was obliged to retire to rest." 

On the 13th, he says, " The whole community is alarm- 
ted at what God is doing, so many have been converted, 
j and the converts going from house to house warning their 
I friends of their danger ; old difficulties long existing in 
the churches have been settled by the brethren ; the spirit 
'of the Lord leading them in the way of victory." Sab- 
bath, 15th, although he had attended meetings every night 
for a long time and often been in the struggle for souls 
the whole night, he preached two sermons to an attentive 
and large congregation and broke bread. In the evening 
he attended a prayer meeting, quite a good number came 
forward and told what God had done for their souls, oth- 
ers came forward to be prayed for. On the 17th, he at- 
tended meetings in the afternoon with Elder Pope. Elder 
Pope preached a weighty sermon ; they then repaired to 
the water and attended the ordinance of baptism. On 
Wednesday evening, ISth, Elder Bowles again addressed 
a large congregation ; the interest continued to increase ; 
the cry for mercy was loud, and the brethren brought in 
their testimonies in quick succession. 19th, he preached 
in the afternoon to a large congregation ; after sermon 



156 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

several related their christian experience in the dealings 
of God's mercy to them, the church gave them fellowship, 
and Elder Bowles went down again into the liquid stream 
and buried them in the likeness of the dear Eedeemer, 
He says, " My soul never felt abetter clay ; the holy dove 
of heaven came down In very deed, and rested on us ; the 
cry now came up from every quarter, '" Pray for us," by 
those whose hearts had been wounded by the arrows of 
truth. The penitent now eagerly pressed forward to the 
mercy seat at every meeting, and some in each meeting 
found mercy from the hands of God." It was truly a day 
of joy in Kandolph, Brookfield, and the adjacent towns. 
and the whole community seemed to be in a blaze of ref- 
ormation glory. On Saturday evening, 28th, fifteen came 
forward for prayer and several of them found mercy be- 
fore they left the house. 29th, he met a large crowd of 
people ; he preached in the forenoon, and brother Thomas 
in the afternoon ; and he preached again in the evening. 
Some thirty-six penitent souls found their way to the altar 
for prayer ; some left the meeting to avoid conviction, but 
they were stopped on the road and compelled by the spir- 
it of God to return to the meeting and bow before God, 
and beg for mercy. One proud young woman got some 
eighteen rods from the house, her heart began to melt, 
she yielded and returned to the meeting, and gave her 
heart to God. 

And thus the revival spirit continued to the close of the 
month and the close of the year. This year was began 
by a deep struggle in prayer by Elder Bowles, in behalf 
of poor perishing sinners, it closes with joy in heaven and 
on earth, over the repenting sinner turning from the error 
of his ways, to the joys of eternal life. 



CHAPTER X. 

1823—The Revival Continues in Randolph, Brookfield, and Redfield 
— He leaves to Attend the Huntington Quarterly Meeting — He and 

Elder Pope Engages in a Series of Meetings — Visits Enosburg 

Meets with Opposition in Wellingford — Organizes a Free Will 
Baptist Church in Enosburg — Visits New York— Spends the Year 
in a Glorious Revival in the Enosburg Quarterly Meeting. 

January 1st, 1823, Elder Bowles is still found in the 
field of gospel labor, with his soul bowed like a cart un- 
der sheaves. He says, " I this day feel to give glory to 
God for his great mercy to me. I want to renew my cov- 
enant with him, to live more devoted to his cause. Last 
night I felt truly solemn ; I spent the night until 4 o'clock, 
praying out the old, and in the new year. O, what glory 
filled my soul in the secret communion with God." In 
the afternoon Elder Bowles left Huntington to attend an 
appointment in Roxbury. On the way he visited the 
families of several brethren, and urged them to renew 
covenant with God. In his meeting in the evening the 
holy spirit of God came down ; seven poor penitent sin- 
ners came bending the knee before God ; four souls came 
into sweet deliverance with Jesus. A new year's gift, in- 
deed. After the joy of these delivered souls had been 
expressed a little, the struggle began again and lasted 
some three hours ; the children of God gained the victory. 
He then went to brother Wilcox's to spend the night, and 
there found three of the family in deep distress of mind, 
he bowed with them around the family altar ; he says, 
" Betsey was in great distress and begged aloud for mer- 



158 

cy. I went to rest with a heavy heart for her ; the next 
morning I went to the barn and begged before God a lit- 
tle, then went in and joined with the family in prayer, 
and glory to God, Betsey came into liberty." 

3d of January, he went to Brookfield and held a meet- 
ing in the evening ; the Lord appeared in their midst ; 
several came forward for prayer, and one came into liber- 
ty in the meeting. One man rose up in the meeting and 
acknowledged his guilt in opposing the cause of God ; he 
said that he had tried to prevent his sister from going to 
the meeting, but God had done so much for his sister, and 
children, and his father, on coming home from the meet- 
ing one night after he had retired to bed, and testified so 
much of the power of God, he felt compelled to give up 
all opposition, and come to the meeting and yield his heart 
to God. He cried for mercy, and God appeared to his 
deliverance. Elder Bowles finding the work had got well 
begun, entered into the spirit of it with much energy ; he 
and Elder Pope spent about four weeks in Eandolph, 
Brookfield, Braintree, and Eoxbury. About thirty souls 
were truly converted to God, and scores of poor back- 
sliders were reclaimed, and many more poor mourners 
lingered at the gospel pool, desiring to be washed from 
sin. He and Elder Pope baptized a large number of the 
converts. He now took his leave of the dear brethren, 
and the dear converts, who had been made nigh to him 
by the blood of the precious atonement. 

9th of February, he started for Huntington to be at the 
Quarterly Meeting in the afternoon ; he arrived at Mid- 
dlesex and attended Monthly Meeting with the church ; 
here he met Elder Lord and with him and the brethren 
enjoyed a precious season. On Sabbath, 5th, he attended 
meeting in company with Elder Lord ; Elder Lord preach- 



OF ELD CHAELES BOWLES. . 159 

ed in the forenoon, and Elder Bowles in the afternoon 
from Songs of Solomon 4th : 12th ; it was a solemn melt- 
ing time. They then broke bread to the church. On the 
6th, he started on for Huntington, and after saluting the 
brethren at Duxbury and Richmond, and encouraging 
them and cheering them with happy intelligence of the 
work of the Lord where he had been, he arrived at Hun- 
tington on the 9th. He says, " I felt in my soul to thank 
God, that he had spared me and my dear brethren to 
meet again on earth, to join again in the worship of the 
Lord." On the 10th, he met in the Quarterly Meeting 
Conference ; much interest was manifest among the breth- 
ren in meeting with Elder Bowles just from the battle- 
field in Zion's warfare. On the 11th, the spirit seemed to 
hover over the meeting; the meeting seemed to begin 
with bright prospects of resulting in- good. On the 12th, 
the public meeting was attended by an unusual degree of 
power; the preaching was in the spirit. Immediately 
after the holding the Quarterly Meeting, Elders Bowles 
and Pope began to make preparations for a protracted ef- 
fort within the bounds of the Quarterly Meeting, ~by vis- 
iting from -house to house and urging on the minds of the 
people the importance of eternal things ; and these efforts 
were not without their effect ; good omens began to ap- 
pear in the church, both in districts of the Ambler and 
Thomas school-houses. On the 26th, meetings were held 
in the Thomas school-house ; Elder Pope preached in the 
forenoon, Elder Bowles in the afternoon, and Elder Pope 
again in the evening. The meeting seemed to be making 
a good impression. He says, " I began to feel the need 
of more of the power of the spirit to get hold on the arm 
of God hj faith ; 1 went into the grove to covenant anew 
with God to be put into the work all harnessed ; I think 



160 

I begin to hear the sound of abundance of rain." Elder 
Lord now came on and took hold with them with much 
heart-felt interest. They visited extensively every day in 
the week, and held meetings evenings and every Sabbath. 
Elder Bowles extended his labors into Jerico, Bakersfield, 
Cambridge, Enosburg and Underhill. He says, "At Ba- 
kersiield I put up at Mr. Fay's ; I had a long talk with 
him on the freedom of the will ; I think I found my way 
to the throne ; I had good liberty in conversation. At 
Enosburg I enjoyed a precious visit with my old friend 
and brother, Asa Ladd ; he had been made near to me by 
the blood of Immanuel ; his loving wife had been lately 
called to her eternal rest, but I am sure our loss is her 
eternal gain in glory." 

Sabbath, March 9th, he held a meeting in the Block 
school-house in Enosbm-g ; the meeting was attended with 
power ; sinners began to cry aloud for mercy ; some were 
deeply burdened on account of their sins. In the evening 
quite a number of people met in a prayer meeting at 
brother Alpha Ladd's ; a solemn weeping time was en- 
joyed. 11th, he had to turn his attention to another sec- 
tion, he had been in the place nine clays and had preached 
ten sermons, and rejoiced in seeing the work of God revive 
in the hearts of the children of God ; many backsliders 
were reclaimed from sinful wanderings from God, and 
quite a number of sinners had been converted to God ; 
his soul had took new courage as he had bowed at the 
throne of grace. He says, " I felt a solemn cry in my 
soul, that God would ride on in his all-conquering power, 
and subdue his enemies by the power of his love." At 
Bakersfield he enjoyed a happy visit at brother Carrol's ; 
he says, " Our souls were filled with the power of God's 
love as we knelt at the family altar and lifted our souls in 



OF ELD CHAELES BOWLES. 161 

thankfulness to heaven ; I felt to cry in my whole heart, 
let the inhabitants of the rock sing; let them shout from 
the tops of the mountain ; let Zion's king come down, and 
let there be the sound of his voice in the camp of Israel." 

On Sabbath, 17th, he held a meeting and preached at 
the house of brother Story in Enosbnrg ; the power of 
God was felt ; the penitent began to cry for mercy, and 
the people of God with a promptness in holy confidence 
in the Redeemer came np to the help of the Lord against 
the mighty. God seemed to own the meeting and his 
spirit gave new courage to his saints, and also to Elder 
Bowles. Monday evening, 18th, he preached at the house 
of brother Joy ; the spirit of reformation seemed to be on 
the increase. On the 19th, he held a meeting at Eich- 
mond at brother Mitchell's, and enjoyed with the family 
a happy season in waiting on the Lord. On Sabbath, 23d, 
he preached in Huntington, and during the week his voice 
was heard day and night in the meetings and around the 
family altar. 30th, he preached at the Gore in Hunting- 
ton, and continued his labors during the week. 

April 5th, he attended Monthly Meeting with the 
church at Huntington. On the Sabbath, he preached and 
broke bread to the church ; during the following week he 
visited and held meetings in Charlotte, Shelbourne and 
Burlington. On Sabbath, 13th, he preached in Shel- 
bourne, and Sabbath, 20th, he preached in Starksboro ; 
and the evenings of each week he held meetings in the 
different neighborhoods in each of those towns, and in all 
of them he enjoyed much of the divine glory of God. 
On the 21st, he left Starksboro and visited at Bristol, Mid- 
dlebury and Salsbury, and in the families of brothers 
Hubbard, Mason and others, he enjoyed some good re- 
freshing seasons in prayer meetings. He then visited 



162 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

Lester and Goshen and held meetings ; the presence of 
the Lord came among the people ; the spirit of reforma- 
tion began to sound in the hearts of the saints of God ; 
several church meetings were held, and the brethren be- 
gan to feel the importance of gospel order in the church, 
that the word of God might run, have a free course and 
be glorified. 

Sabbath, 27th, he preached at Lester Centre, the peo- 
ple were solemn and attentive and seemed to receive the 
word of God with joy. 28th, he left Lester, and went 
to Brandon and held some meetings, then he went to 
"Walingford and sounded the gospel trump ; he found ma- 
ny who were willing to let their voice be heard supplica- 
ting divine mercy from the Lord. He also held meetings 
in Dorset ; God owned the word also in this place. He 
held meetings in the barn of a brother Crafft ; a great 
crowd came out to the meeting ; in the evening he held a 
prayer meeting, it was a weeping time, the holy spirit sent 
home the truth with power. He now directed his efforts 
to Walingford, where he contined several days proclaim- 
ing a free salvation in the name of the Lord. In this 
place he met with some opposition from the old standing 
Baptists and the Methodists ; he says, " It was a sore tri- 
al to my mind to see the conduct of those who profess to 
be the disciples of the Prince of peace, standing in the 
way of any one aiming to do good to his fellow-men." 
But still amidst all opposition in the place from such a 
source, he had the confidence and suuport of heaven ; he 
did not relax in his christian warfare against the kingdom 
-of Satan. God gave him liberty in speaking and prayer, 
and constantly stood by his side to strengthen his hands 
and his heart in the contest, and before he left Waling- 
ford he had the happiness to hear the cry of the penitent 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 163 

sinner for mercy at the foot of the cross. At the last 
meeting he held in the place, the presence of the Lord 
was wonderful ; he says of the meeting, " I think I never 
saw more of the glory of God and his heavenly power in 
all my life ; the children of God shouted for joy ; the 
poor backsliders cried out for mercy, and some sinners 
were converted to God in the meeting. So doubt a deep 
and solemn impression was made on the mind of the com- 
munity that will be remembered in eternity." 

He now visited Clarrindon and held one meeting, the& 
went to Goshen ; he says, " I went on the way crying io. 
my soul that God would go before and prepare the way of 
Zion for the power of reformation." After spending a 
little time in the place he went to Benson, and the 28th, 
he preached at brother Carter's ; in this place the power 
of opposition began to show itself; the power of Go<i 
came down in the meeting • this made the enemy rage 
with great fury ; he says, U I began to cry in my soul, O 
Lord revive thy work, in the midst of these years, in wrath 
remember mercy." He spent several clays in Benson, la- 
boring with good success, not only in meeting but in vis- 
iting from house to house, warning and praying for the 
people, and constantly enjoying good liberty in the work,. 
On June 2d, he took leave of brother Carter and his 
family and the brethren in the place, with deep feeling 
for their interest in eternal things ; he had enjoyed a. 
pleasant home with them ; their hospitality had been free- 
ly extended to him, and in the spirit of christian love^ 
their hearts were knitted together. Elder Bowles' next 
places of labor were Cornwell and Orwell ; in both places 
lie held several meetings to good acceptance, God blessed 
him and gave him good liberty of soul in speaking ; he 
enjoyed a pleasant home at brother Terries in CorhweUL 



104 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

He nyw turned his attention homeward to Huntington, 
and stopped and visited at Starksboro and preached four 
days in the place, or six sermons ; he found the brethren 
well engaged ; after praying with them, he took his leave 
of them aud went to Huntington. He says, "I felt to 
give glory to God that he had spared me and the clear 
brethren t > meet again ; I felt happy in God to see the breth- 
ren so well engaged in the good work of God ; I can truly 
say I love my Redeemer with my whole heart." Elder 
Bowles always felt a pleasure in getting home to Hun- 
tington, it was to him a favorite spot, God had conquered 
it for him, putting down the host of opposition in the 
powers of darkness ; many who were once his bitter ene- 
mies had been made nigh by the blood of the Lamb ; he 
had led them down into the liquid stream and buried 
them in its limpid waves ; he felt towards them as a fath- 
er, his attachment to them and they to him as brethren 
was mutual, and Huntington was to him as Jerusalem and 
Mount Zion was to the Jew. He could say with the holy 
bard of Israel, " For my brethren and my companion's 
sake I will now say peace be within thee." 

June 8th, he held meeting at the Jones' school-house, 
the people came out in a crowd to listen once more to his 
voice, During the week he visited from house to house, 
and on Friday, the 13th, he met in the Elder's Conference 
of the Quarterly Meeting with the church at Richmond ; 
a good time was enjoyed in the Conference, and in the 
Quarterly Meeting the power of God came down on the 
meeting ; the preaching was in the spirit and power of 
the Lord, by Elders Bowles, Hacket, Carter, Pope, and 
Moxley. God owned the word to the quickening of the 
saints, many warm exhortations were given and several 
eame forward for prayers. On the 18th, he started in 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 165 

company with Elder Pope and visited Skelbourne, Char- 
lotte, and Hinesburg ; some very good meetings were 
held ; God blessed the word, sinners began to tremble and 
cry for mercy. 22d, he returned to Huntington and spent 
a little time among the brethren, holding prayer meetings, 
and visiting the sick, of which quite a number were then 
in the j)lace. 26th, he started for the Corinth Quarterly 
Meeting, he did not spend but a little time in the Corinth 
Quarterly Meeting at this time, only a few meetings in 
Chelsea, "Washington, Corinth and Orange. 30th, after 
visiting in Washington, and a few of his brethren, he 
started to return homeward, he visited and held meetings 
in several town on the route, and like the good apostle, 
saluting his brethren from house to house as he went 
along. At Waterbury in company with Elder Josiah 
"Wetherby he held one meeting, and one in Stowe. 

On the 1st and 2d of July, he in company w T ith Elder 
Moxley, visited and held two meetings in Morristown ; 
then passing on he visited Johnstown and Bakersfield and 
then went on to Enosburg, and on Sabbath, 6th, he preach- 
ed in Enosburg in brother Lawrence's barn. He spent 
the week in visiting and praying with the people during 
the day and holding meetings every evening. On Sab- 
bath, July 13th, he preached again at brother Lawrence's 
barn ; the way of God in a revival movement seemed all 
dark to him, his mind begun to be in a struggle in a deep 
trial, and he began to pray to God for duty to be made 
plain to him ; he says, " I began to wish that I had not 
come into this region, because I could not feel as thus 
saith the Lord, as to what was duty ; but glory to God, 
the cloud began to break — my soul was let into liberty — ■ 
the way began to look clear — I felt happy in my God — ■ 
some mercy drops began to fall on the people — the car of 



166 LIFE, LABOKS, AND TRAVELS, 

salvation began to roll on with power." On the 14th, he 
went to Berkshire and held some meetings with good sue* 
cess, God seemed to own the meeting by sending home 
the word of truth to the hearts of some of the people, and 
deeply convicting sinners of the error of their ways. His 
next move was at Enosburg at the east part of the town ; 
here the way began to open for the raising up and organ- 
ising a new church ; his eye got hold by faith. 

On Saturday, 19th, he held a meeting at the Block 
school-house, and preached from Acts 2d : 42d ; it was a 
time of deep interest, several came forward to be consti- 
tuted into a church. He says, " My soul began to take 
courage, I felt that the time to favor Zion had now fully 
come in this place ; I felt great liberty from the Lord, and 
could walk in the sweetest communion with the great 
head of the church and enjoy the light of his glory." On 
Sabbath, the 20th, he preached in brother Lawrence's 
barn, in the forenoon he preached from Malachi 3d : 1st, 
2d; he says, " The spirit of the Lord seemed to rest on 
the meeting — it was a time long to be remembered — my 
soul was lifted on high." During the intermission he 
went forward and organized a Free Will Baptist church, 
(this church consisted of five members, and our venerable 
father in the gospel, Elder Perley Hall, now of Enosburg, 
was one of the members ; it was the origin of the Enos- 
burg Quarterly Meeting,) giving them the hand of fellow- 
ship in gospel order, then gave them a solemn charge, 
commending them to God in humble prayer. In the af- 
ternoon he preached a short sermon, the congregation was 
interesting and deeply affected. He says, "I now began 
to see how short-sighted I am ; when I came into this re- 
gion I was full ot doubts and hardly knew what to do ; 
but glory to God, he is all-sufficient in every time of 



OF ELD. CHAKLES BOWLES. 167 

trouble and trial, but I will put my whole trust in him, 
and ever say — 

"Long as I live when trouble's nigh, 

I'll hasten to his throne." 

O, my heart does pant for a deeper work of grace to fit 
me better for his work." 

On the 22d, he went to Sheldon, and held a meeting 
with good success, but he says, " I had a great trial on 
my mind on account of a conversation with a brother about 
church government, and the use of articles and a cove- 
nant to govern the church of Jesus Christ, for I am of the 
opinion that the bible is a sufficient rule, and government, 
in faith and practice for any christian church." Elder 
Bowles, like many of his cotemporaries in the gospel 
work, unfortunately opposed any written articles of faith, 
■or church covenant, as savoring too much of human gov- 
ernment in the church. But experience has taught their 
successors in the great work, that for a church to walk in 
gospel order and maintain a consistent and mutual disci- 
pline, they should embody the principles and sentiments 
of the bible in a disciplinary rule for the church, whereby 
there may be a unity among the members. 

His labor in Sheldon was attended with good success ; 
the Lord owned the word and made it quick and power- 
ful in the hearts of the people. Notwithstanding his trial 
of mind, he says, "I enjoyed a precious season with the 
brethren ; the Lord sent his holy approving seal on our 
meeting." He left another appointment to hold meeting 
in the place, and by request consented to come and visit 
around among the brethren and friends. On Saturday, 
the 26th, he returned and attended the first Monthly 
Meeting with the new church in Enosburg ; he preached 
a sermon of about one hour's length, from Proverbs 22 d : 



168 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

4th, " By humility and the fear of the Lord, are riches, 
and honor, and life." The power of God was wonderfully- 
displayed in the meeting ; the saints of God were made 
to rejoice in a glorious manner ; many warm testimonies 
were given in by the brethren and sisters, and some who 
once professed religion, but had fallen into a backslidden 
state, came into the meeting and got melted down under 
the influence of the gospel. Sabbath, 27th, he held a 
meeting in brother Lawrence's barn; an immense con- 
course of people came out : he preached from Romans 
12th : 1st, " I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the 
mercies of God, that ye present your bodies, a living sac- 
rifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable 
service." After sermon, several came forward and rela- 
ted their experience, the church gave them fellowship, 
and Elder Bowles led them into the water and buried 
them beneath the limpid wave, after which he returned 
to the house and broke bread to the church. In the even- 
ing he held an interesting prayer meeting with the breth- 
ren ; it was a day of joy and gladness to him and the dear 
brethren of the new church. 30th, he went to Berkshire, 
and in the evening he enjoyed an interesting visit at 
brother Eaymond Austin's, in prayer and christian con- 
versation with some of the friends who came in. 

After laboring in Berkshire and Sheldon for a few days, 
preaching in Sheldon on Sabbath, July 3d, he began to 
see manifest tokens of good in that region ; the people 
received him kindly and very generously contributed to 
his wants. 5th, he went to Bakersfield, and visited the 
brethren and encouraged them in the faith of the gospel. 
He then went to Underhill, and after spending the week 
in holding prayer meetings and preaching, on the 9th, he 
met in a Church Meeting and helped get some little diffi- 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 169 

culties out of the way. Sabbath, 10th, he attended meet- 
ing in Underhill in company with Elder Webster ; both 
preached during the day. At 5 o'clock Elder Bowles 
went to Jerico and held meeting with the brethren. 13th, 
lie attended meeting in Richmond, in company with 
brother Thomas ; brother Thomas preached a sermon, af- 
ter which Elder Bowles went to the water and attended 
the ordinance of baptism. 15th, he preached in Duxbury. 
16th, he went back to Richmond, and attended a Monthly 
Meeting with the brethren ; he felt under some trials be- 
fore the meeting began, but the deep interest of the 
meeting soon dispelled all his trials and his soul was lift- 
ed in joy and he enjoyed a good season. 

On the 17th, he preached in" Huntington and attended 
the ordinance of baptism, his cry was continually, Lord 
send down thy power and convert poor sinners. This to 
him was always a duty to secure God's holy will. On 
the 23d, he attended Monthly Meeting with the church in 
Underhill, in company with brother Thomas ; the power 
of God was wonderfully felt in the meeting ; some fell un- 
der the power and laid without strength for a long time. 
The spirit of revival was felt among the brethren, and the 
people of God began to array themselves for the mighty 
contest with the powers of sk. 23d, Elder Bowles preach- 
ed during the day, and brother Thomas in the evening. 
Thus they continued for several days preaching, praying 
and exhorting and visiting from house to house. He then 
went to Duxbury and united with a Methodist brother in 
a reformation effort ; in these meetings a loving spirit per- 
vaded their hearts. His spirit was so catholic, and his 
soul so filled with the divine power, he could always unite 
with any evangelical christian on gospel ground to oppose 
the kingdom of Satan and build up the interest of Zion. 



170 

He spent several days in Duxbury and Waterbury ; he 
attended a Monthly Meeting with each church. He says, 
" We began our effort in holding a few meetings in Wa- 
terbury and found some of the brethren in great trial with 
one another, but glory to God, he gave us the victory, the 
holy spirit began to melt their hearts, and we had a good 
weeping, forgiving time, every one seemed ready to 
confess." 

"Up to August 5th, he was laboring in Waterbury, Stowe, 
Duxbury, Eichmond and Huntington. 7th, he preached 
in Starksboro, and continued to visit and hold meetings 
until the 14th ; he met in the conference of the Hunting- 
ton Quarterly Meeting which met with the Starksboro 
church. On the 15th, and 16th, he met with the brethren 
i n the Quarterly Meeting ; he says, " We had a visit from 
the king of glory in our meeting ; souls were converted 
to God." On the 17th, eight persons were baptized, and 
nine were united to the church. He says of the meeting 
that day, " Almost all the unconverted part of the con- 
gregation cried out for mercy, and at Charlotte, and Hun- 
tington, the reformation influence was mightily felt ; the 
spirit of God is spreading all around a new and glorious 
state of things ; my soul felt encouraged in God ; I felt 
to cry to God for more grace to enable me to preach plain- 
er and better, in the spirit and love of my Bedeemer." 
It was a trait of character peculiar with Elder Bowles, 
that if his preaching did not effect the hearts of the peo- 
ple and produce good result, attended with the divine 
power, his mind could not rest satisfied. He made relig- 
ion a matter of conscience, the foundation of real devo- 
tional feeling, both in public and private life. 

On the 23d of September, he left Huntington to visit 
the churches in the Rutland Quarterly Meeting. On this 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 171 

route he visited Bristol, Orwell, Bradford, New Haven, 
and Cornwall. 27th, he crossed the lake to Putnam in 
JSTew York, and assisted in the recognition of a Free Will 
Baptist church, as a member of the Rutland Quarterly 
Meeting. 28th, he preached with the new church, and 
attended the ordinance of baptism ; the power of God was 
wonderfully felt in the meeting. After meeting he joined 
with the brethren in a mighty struggle for some three 
hours, for some poor penitent souls in the meeting ; sev- 
eral came into Kberfy. 29th, he recrossed the lake into 
Yermont, and preached at Stony Point in Benson. He 
spent some days in this vicinity, visiting and holding 
meetings ; several were brought into gospel liberty. He 
then started to attend the Yearly meeting to be held at 
Corinth within the bounds of the Corinth Quarterly 
Meeting. In company with brother Thomas, he visited 
Goshen and held one meeting, then went to Randolph on 
the 3d of October, and held another. 

On the 4th, he met the brethren in Yearly Meeting ; 
he says, " On the way to this place I have enjoyed much 
kindness in many dear families ; O, may God bless them, 
and now in the Yearly Meeting my soul feels full of joy 
to meet my dear loving brethren ; I have heard to day, 
my precious brother Elder John Buzzell preach a good 
sermon, it was given in the spirit and with power ; my 
soul has enjoyed a heavenly feast. The reports came in 
truly refreshing and encouraging to his saints. Glory to 
God that he dwells among his people." On the Sabbath 
a congregation of some three thousand people met for pub- 
lic worship, Elder John Buzzell preached in the forenoon 
and Elder Bowles in the afternoon, and the Yearly Con- 
ference was held on Monday and great harmony prevail- 
ed; after its close in the afternoon, Elder Buzzell went 



172 

to the water and in presence of a large concourse of peo- 
ple lie baptized a number of happy candidates. After 
Elder Bowles had spent a few days in Chelsea, Washing- 
ton and Barry, he went on to Huntington, visiting Mid- 
dlesex, Duxbury, "Waterbury and Richmond. 

25th, he went into the Enosburg Quarterly Meeting, 
visiting on the way at Cambridge, Fletcher and Bakers- 
field, crossed the Missisco River into Enosburg ; it was 
stormy and cold, but his heart was warm in heavenly 
hope. On Friday 26th, he met in the conference of the 
Enosburg Quarterly Meeting, and on this day and the 
27th he enjoyed a comfortable season. On Sabbath, 28th, 
he enjoyed the privilege of hearing Elders Manard and 
^Nathaniel Bowles preach the word during the day, and 
he preached in the evening. The spirit fell like a mighty 
shower on the hearts of the people, and on Monday eve- . 
ning he preached again in the same place, also on Tuesday 
evening, the mighty power of reformation began to sound ; 
on the two evenings ten souls came into gospel liberty. 

He continued within the bounds of this Quarterly 
Meeting until the last day of December, 1823. Although 
for a while great opposition manifested itself, he enjoyed 
the confidence of his christian brethren, and God made 
"bear his arm in a wonderful manner; many found the 
pearl of great price, and went with him down into the 
water. His labors during the whole time would average 
one sermon a day, besides extensive visiting, and prayer 
meeting. The ungodly fell before the power of God, like 
Dagon before the Ark ; the work spread into Berkshire 
and Franklin and into the province of Canada. There 
were several interesting incidents connected with this re- 
vival : in one family the spirit began to move on the heart 
of the woman of the house ; she began to read the bible. 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 173 

"but after a little while she stopped this, and said that the 
reformation was all delusion ; "but the spirit continued its 
striving, one inorniug her husband arose from his bed and 
"built a fire, when all of a sudden she began to scream 
that unless she got religion, she should feel the fire of 
hell ; she said she had put the subject off too long, and 
feared that there was no mercy for her. She begged her 
husband to pray for her ; he dropped upon his knees, and 
she fell upon the iloor and cried for mercy, it was a sol- 
emn time, the whole neighborhood was alarmed, and 
crowded in ; the cry was that the power of the reforma- 
tion was overturning everything. At Captain Lacld's, the 
Captain in trying to beg for his wife got the burden on 
himself for his own soul. Elder Bowles says, " It was a 
time of the great Immanuel's power, parents and children 
all begging for mercy together. The ui: godly all alarmed, 
while the hopeful christian was lifting the prayer of faith 
to heaven. The struggle lasted until about eleven o'clock, 
A. M. Mrs. Ladd came into liberty, shouting the praise 
of God ; the burden left her husband, but he did not feel 
the joy that his wife did. 

The following Sabbath, Elder Bowles baptized Mrs. 
Ladd and five other persons, and the following Sabbath 
Captain Ladd and several others went forward in baptism. 
Another incident occurred, — a very respectable man of 
good morals, came into the meeting often, but seemed tried 
with the noise of the meeting ; the power continued to 
settle down upon him until he acknowledged that he felt 
strangely, but continued to oppose the meeting in his feel- 
ings. On one evening, Elder Bowles accosted him and 
urged on him the great importance of immediate submis- 
sion to God. Soon all the brethren fell upon their knees 
and began to beg for the power to come down on the 



174 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

meeting. Soon conviction fastened on the man, he threw 
Mmself across a bench for fear that he should fall upon 
the floor, but the power of the spirit got hold on him, he 
fell prostrate on the floor and cried to God for mercy, be- 
gan to confess his opposition to the meeting, and begged 
tne brethren to forgive him, he called his wife to him and 
confessed to her kefore the meeting, and for several hours 
lie laid in a mighty struggle ; it was a time of awful so- 
lemnity and power, but God soon appeared and set the 
man and his wife at liberty. 

On the following Sabbath, this man with his wife and 
several others, came forward and told their experience 
and were received in baptism. In this revival about one 
Irandred and fifty persons, were converted to God ; two 
efmrches were organized. It was truly a refreshing har- 
vest ; those who had " gone forth weeping bearing precious 
seed, had returned rejoicing bringing their sheaves with 
them." All opposition had fully yielded to the power of 
truth. Elder Bowles went from this place to Underhill 
sand Jerico, and attended Monthly Meeting with both 
churches, and helped set things in gospel order. He also 
visited and held Monthly Meetings with the churches in 
Duxbury, Waterbuiy, Richmond and Hinesburg, conse- 
quently he must have been on the wing night and day, 
going from town to town, seeing much deep conviction 
and some blessed conversions in every town, and what 
was comforting to him, the converts were bold and un- 
Jfinching before the opposers of the revival, and they 
manifested great readiness to do duty and take up the 
cross in baptism, for many received this ordinance at his 
hands. He says in closing the year, "I feel a spirit of 
joy and gratitude in my heart for the blessing and mercy 
of God in closing this year ; to him be all the glory for 
what has been done." 



CHAPTER XI. 

1824 — His Labors in the different Quarterly Meetings — He goes to 
Canada — Enjoys a Revival in Enosburg — Organizes another Free 
Will Baptist Church in that Town. 

January 1st, he says, " I feel truly solemn this day, 
when I think of the great goodness of God unto me. I 
have had many mourning hours alone in secret over the 
condition of poor Zion, and I have had many hours in joy 
and comfort with the brethren ; I love to struggle with 
them for the deliverance of poor sinners. On the whole, 
I can thank God and take courage in the great contest 
against the power of sin and Satan." 

4th, he left Starksboro in company with Elders Hill 
and Manard, and brother Mason, to attend a Quarterly 
Meeting, the name and place not mentioned in his jour- 
nal ; but we think it was the Enosburg Quarterly Meeting. 
5th, he attended the conference ; he says, " The reports 
came in encouraging from the churches. On Saturday, 
Elder Manard preached a comforting sermon. On the 
Sabbath, they met for prayer meeting, the holy spirit 
came down among them, filling their hearts with the spirit 
of labor. At ten o'clock they met in Deacon Carter's 
barn, Elder Woodworth preached in the forenoon, in the 
afternoon Elder Bowles preached from Rev. 20th : 11th, 
15th, inclusive. In the evening brother Thomas preached ; 
it was a time of power. Elder Bowles now took his leave 
of the Enosburg Quarterly Meeting for a season, to attend 
the Huntington Quarterly Meeting at Duxbury. On the 



176 

way, be visited several of the churches and rejoiced to 
see them in travail in the spirit of the gospel. In many 
families he enjoyed the pleasure of joining in religious 
family worship ; his soul seemed to feel in the ecstacy of 
joy at the thought that all these dear families will one 
day unite in one in the holy kingdom, and God even the 
Father will guide them into the fullness of infinite joy. 
In the Elders conference he enjoyed a great consolation 
in hearing the reports from the different churches. And 
on Saturday, the 12th, in the Quarterly Meeting, the pow- 
er of God was graciously felt. 

Sabbath, 13th, the brethren met at eight o'clock for 
prayer meeting, and at eleven o'clock A. M., Elder Pope 
preached a powerful sermon, God sent the power of con- 
viction to the hearts of sinners, a mighty cry went all 
through the meeting. After sermon the Elders and breth- 
ren engaged in prayer, a mighty struggle lasted some 
three hours and four souls were brought into gospel liber- 
ty, and a number of poor backsliders were brought into 
gospel deliverance from their wanderings. Late in the 
afternoon, Elder Bowles preached a short sermon, but was 
interrupted by the cry of the convicted and the shout of 
the redeemed ; it was a time of the power of the great 
Immanuel. The holy reformation fire had begun to burn 
to the great astonishment of the host of opposition. On 
the 14th, he left Duxbury and went on to Huntington, 
then to Enosburg and spent one week with the brethren 
in visiting and holding meetings. 20th, he went into the 
grove in the morning, and there alone he held a sweet com- 
munion with God. He says, " I poured out my soul to 
God for a fresh animating from heaven ; my soul seemed 
to mount up to God." He preached two sermons at the 
Block school-house, and in the. evening he held a prayer 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 177 

and conference meeting. During the week he preached 
every evening to large congregations, his soul all the time 
urging itself near the holy throne. 

27th, he says, " I went this morning to my old place in 
the grove, God as usual met me there and blessed my 
soul with his holy love; I felt some of the upper river 
flow down to my soul ; I could drink and drink, and still 
it came down." He preached two sermons at the Block 
school-house ; it was a melting time. On the 28th, he 
met persecution from a quarter little expected ; the Meth- 
odist brethren for some cause began to oppose him ; he 
says, " I looked on so much in trial of mind, I began to 
see that I was getting into a hard spirit ; I began to cry 
to God to help me out of the difficulty ; I found it is bet- 
ter to suffer wrong than to do wrong, my cry to God was, 
to forgive them, and me, and fill us all with his spirit ; 
my soul got into the enjoyment of sweet peace in the Re- 
deemer, for I believe the Lord heard my cry." He con- 
tinued his effort in different parts of the town, the people 
continually flocking to hear him. The whole community 
appeared to be under a religious interest 

On Saturday night, July 3d, he spent at his friend Ed- 
ward Johnson's, to rest for the Sabbath ; he speaks of the 
family with warm affection. On Sabbath, 4th, he attend- 
ed meeting at the school-house in the south part of the 
town ; some five hundred people came out ; the women 
filled the house ; the men fixed seats in the front part of 
the house, and the Elder stood in the door ; it was a sol- 
emn time, conviction fell on the hearts of the people like 
rain on the earth ; God owned the word. At noon he at- 
tended the ordinance of baptism, and at the water the 
Lord made bear his arm in power. At Hre o'clock he 
preached again with great liberty to a congregation at the 



178 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

house of brother Hice ; several poor backsliders were re- 
claimed, and one sinner was brought into liberty from Sa- 
tan's power ; the saints of God shouted for joy. He says, 
" I felt this day that I had made a Sabbath day's journey 
towards the heavenly land." 

In the evening, he went to brother Edward Johnson's 
and spent the night. His soul got into a struggle for three 
young women there. He exhorted them in the name of 
the Lord to bow to God and repent of their sins ; they 
began to humble ; he requested them to kneel, which 
they consented to do. A struggle of several hour brought 
all three of them into liberty. The glory of God filled 
the place in a wonderful manner ; great solemnity seem- 
ed to pervade every heart. 5th, he says : " I feel to praise 
God for his continual goodness to me, for the presence and 
glory of his power in my own soul, and his divine power 
in the hearts of the people." He went this day eight 
miles and attended meeting in Richford ; then to Frank- 
lin. In this region he spent a number of days in visiting 
and holding meetings. It was a time of great comfort to 
him. As he visited from house to house, his soul seemed 
fired with holy zeal, and he seemed to feel a desire to have 
the same spirit infused into the hearts of his brethren and 
all christian friends. A travail of soul continually in the 
Strength of the King of Zion, among the members of the 
church, always inspired his soul with holy boldness and 
courage in the cause of truth. 

Sabbath, 11th, he attended meeting at the school-house 
in Franklin, in company with brother Joseph Kimball. 
12th, he took his leave of his christian friends, and went 
to Canada. His first meeting there was of much interest 
In Duns Pattent, he spoke from Colossians 3d : 3d, 4th : 
" For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 179 

When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye 
also appear with him in glory." A great crowd of peo- 
ple came out to hear ; he says, " I felt as though I was 
preaching a funeral sermon for some one in the crowd ; 
the people appeared solemn, the power of the spirit ac- 
companied the word to the hearts of the people in a won- 
derful manner." He did not spend much time in Canada, 
his appointments in the States hurried him back. But on 
the 15th, 16th and 17th, he enjoyed great liberty in 
preaching on the Pattent. On the afternoon of the 17th, 
he started back to the States and again began his labor at 
Richford. The Lord showed some signs of a mighty re- 
vival in the place ; several found peace in the holy Re- 
deemer, and some were reclaimed from a backslidden 
state ; he attended one immense meeting at the barn of a 
brother in the place, and on the evening of the same day, 
he met with the brethren in Conference Meeting at the 
school-house ; the presence of the Lord appeared in their 
midst. On the 29th, he attended meeting at Enosburg ; 
the power of God manifested itself; many came forward 
for prayers ; the conviction settled deep on the hearts of 
sinners ; the cry was raised in the meeting so deeply from 
the people, his soul began to feel a mighty struggle in 
prayer ; the kingdom of Satan began to tremble. After 
meeting he went to the water and led some happy disci- 
ples of Jesus down the banks in the example of the Re- 
deemer ; the cloud of mercy hung over the place. In all 
of these meetings he held on by faith in a firm grasp on 
the promises of God, and seemed to feel like good old Ja- 
cob, " I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." 31st 
of July, he met an immense congregation of people, and 
preached to them the word of life ; after sermon he was 
followed by some good exhortations. He proceeded and 



180 LIFE, LABOES AND TRAVELS, 

organized another church in Enosburg, of the Free Will 
Baptist order. All at once the spirit of revival seemed 
to be gone, a dark cloud came over the community. He 
says, " I went to the grove and spent considerable time 
in prayer to God ; his infinite glory appeared : my soul 
felt the power of the blessed light." 

August 1st, he again preached to the people in the 
forenoon, and at noon he went to the water and baptized 
some happy candidates for the new church ; the blessing 
of God attended the ordinance both to the administrator 
and the candidates ; the spirit of God went with them 
back to the meeting, where he preached again, and then 
attended to the ordinance of the communion. As the 
members of the new church, together with other christian 
friends came around the sacramental board and received 
the emblems of the Redeemer's dying love, every heart 
seemed to unite with tho Poet and say : — 

" Why was J made to hear his voice, 

And enter while there's room? 
While others make a wretched choice, 

And rather starve than come." 

The people of Enosburg had now great reason to rejoice 
that they had been able to see the great salvation of God. 
Deep-rooted prejudices had all given way before the pow- 
er of truth and love ; the hearts of christians seemed to 
warm together, and the whole seemed to open a new era 
in the life of that community. Elder Bowles was called 
on in this place'to help settle a family difficulty and rec- 
oncile the parties ; it was between the senior and junior 
members ; the latter being married and living apart from 
the former, they would not visit one another, nor speak 
peaceably together. Elder Bowles went with the young 
man and his wife to the house of the young man's father, 






OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 181 

and after exhorting, and hearing from both parties, he 
bowed in prayer. While at prayer the young people fell 
upon the floor and began to confess to the parents, the 
parents to the children ; it was a convincing, convicting 
time ; each heart began to melt in love, God came in 
great power and deliverance and set the mother and 
daughter-in-law into glorious liberty. It was a shouting 
time ; religion melted and humbled them before God and 
one another, and brought them into a blessed fellowship 
together. He says, u All glory to God for what I felt on 
leaving that house ; my soul could leap for joy in the 
great Immanuel.'" 

During the time up to the 3d of September, he labored 
in Underbill, Jerico, and Starksboro, attending the Month- 
ly Meetings with each church, and preaching about every 
evening or holding prayer meetings. He also visited ex- 
tensively from house to house, among both professors and 
unprofessors of religion, for he felt with the dear compas- 
sionate Redeemer, that he was called to " Seek the lost 
sheep of the house of Israel." ISTot a day nor hour was 
spent by him unoccupied in the cause of God ; he was 
ever abundant in labor, and with him there was always 
enough to do. If the harvest was truly plenteous and 
the laborers few, he not only prayed the Lord of the har- 
vest to send forth laborers into the vineyard, but he ever 
stood ready in willingness to step in himself and labor 
with a zeal truly commendable, with an unceasing and 
untiring effort to promote the interest of men and the 
glory of God. But notwithstanding all his joy in the 
prosperity of the cause, he felt a sorrow at this time, at 
the workings of Satan in some of the churches, particu- 
larly at Franklin. But he did not forget his place of re- 
sort in secret communion with God. Thus in joy or sorrow, 
he ever stood ready to obey God in the path of duty. 



182 LIFE, LABORS, AXD TKAVELS, 

September 3d, lie went to Enosburg, in company with. 
Elders Hubbard, Webster, Davis and others, to attend 
the Quarterly Meeting. At this meeting nothing of im- 
portance took place, yet still they enjoyed an interesting 
season ; the power of the spirit of God filled their hearts ; 
the preaching was in power. 8th, he returned home to 
Huntington and got ready to attend the Huntington Quar- 
terly Meeting at Middlesex. He enjoyed a pleasant in- 
terview with his old associates in the ministry. It was a 
meeting of great interest ; two souls were brought into 
liberty ; the backslider began to feel a trembling to return 
to the fold of the Redeemer. In the conference much 
union prevailed ; the ministers truly appeared to see eye 
to eye in the great work of regenerating grace, in secur- 
ing the spiritual interest of mankind. The Quarterly 
Meeting left a good influence on the whole community in 
"Waterbury, Stowe, DuxDury and Richmond ; the refor- 
mation flame began to spread ; it was a time of the Me- 
diator's power. Elder Bowles felt no disposition to lay 
off the armor, but often in the grove in holy communion, 
he bowed before God to buckle it on closer and get a firm- 
er hold on the sword of the spirit ; he would get his eye 
on the judgment as also on the cross of Calvary ; he felt 
his heart in the spirit of it, and in the language of the 
good apostle, he could say, "The love of Christ constrain- 
eth us, for we thus judge, if one died for all, then are all 
dead." And being dead in trespasses and sin, the power 
of the holy atonement alone must save the sinner by his 
repentance and faith in Christ, This he aimed to urge on 
the poor sinner. He labored in this revival until the Jan- 
uary term of the Huntington Quarterly Meeting held at 
Huntington. Unwearied in mind and strengthened in 
body, amidst the excessive toil, he left the field of refor- 



OF ELD. CHAKLES BOWLES. 183 

mation in one place, only to labor to kindle up the refor- 
mation flame in another place. 

In closing the year, Elder Bowles felt, as he says, a 
heart-felt gratitude to God for his good success during the 
year, and for his manifest glory in the closing up of the 
year. Under his ministry during the time, God had, in 
a wonderful manner, stood by him and warded off every 
blow of the enemy, that no harm had befallen him, and 
under his ministry many had been led to the mercy seat, 
and there met the compassionate Redeemer. The num- 
ber of conversions during the year had been great. He 
had baptised many of the converts ; he had organized 
three churches, and had done much in the name of God 
to strengthen others by prayer and council. He says in 
the commencement of the ISTew year, " My soul is drawn 
out more after God. I can say with the good David, ' as 
the hart panteth after the water brook, so my soul pant- 
eth after the living God.' I rejoice to be able again to 
covenant with my God. O, how I want to be all filled 
with His holy spirit, and clothed upon with my house in 
Heaven, so as to be dead to the world. I want to do more 
for his blessed cause, and see more of his converting pow- 
er among men." One happy trait in the christian and 
ministerial character of Elder Bowles, he always felt him- 
self dependant on God, and so much sympathy for poor 
sinners, he could not stop at the end of the year to rejoice 
over his glorious victories. The old year left him and the 
new found him in a position that bespoke the deep lan- 
guage of his soul. 

At the Quarterly Meeting in Huntington, the delegates 
came in with holy reformation flame in their hearts ; it 
breathed out the prayer of faith, and glory to God, the 
hearts of christians in a time like this formed a blessed 



184: LIFE, LABOKS, AND TRAVELS, 

prayer book for those who had to stand upon the walls of 
Zion and blow the gospel trumpet. The preaching was 
in the spirit and with power ; the exhortations all told 
that practical religion had formed the possessor in new 
life, and all could say with the holy Bard of Israel, " One 
thing have I deserved of the Lord, and that will I seek 
after that I may dwell in the house of God forever ; that 
I may behold the beauty of the Lord and enquire into 
his temple." After the Quarterly Meeting at Hunting- 
ton, he spent the remaining part of the winter in meetings, 
attended by a deep revival interest in Bakersfield, Shel- 
don, Enosburgh, r Franklin, and in the province of Canada. 
Many were converted to God during this time. He bap- 
tized many, and organized one church of twenty members. 
In April he returned to Huntington to attend to some of 
his temporal affairs, but in this he did not spend much 
time, for Israel's happy king could rejoice in Mount Zion, 
as the place of rest, in its literal glory. Elder Bowles 
could say with simple truthfulness — 

"My soul shall pray for Zion still, 

While life, or breath remains, 
Here my best friends and kindred dwells, 

Here God my Savior reigns." 



CHAPTER XII. 

Elder Bowies continues to labor in the several Quarterly Meetings 
in Vermont — Sent a Messenger to the several Churches in the 
Enosburg Quarterly Meetings — A Letter to a Friend — Attends the 
Enosburg Quarterly Meeting — He bears the Yearly Meeting Epis- 
tles to the several Churches — History of Jeffrey Brace — American 
Slavery — Character oi some American Ministers — Death of Jeffrey 
Brace. 

In the last chapter we have written, closes the journal 
of Elder Bowles. We deeply regret that his education 
was not such as that he might have been the author of 
some interesting letters to some of his friends, by which 
I could gather more of those interesting expressions so 
characteristic of his life. But few letters were found among 
his writings, and they are short and on business of one 
kind or another, and not at all interesting in this work. 
But several bi ethren who were much attached to him, and 
often in conversation with him, remember with lively in- 
terest his warm and animated conversation in the family 
circles, where they would meet together to enjoy the 
hospitalities of a home, after the toil and fatigue of the 
Quarterly Meeting Conference. It always seemed to in- 
terest him to get a number of young ministers around 
him, and then rehearse the wonderful power of God in 
rolling on the victory of the Redeemer's cross. 

Our dear departed brother, Elder Samuel B. Padden, 
often expressed great satisfaction in listening to him. 
During 1825 and 1826, Elder Bowles continued to labor 
as an evangelist in the different Quarterly Meetings, and 



186 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

laboring some on his farm in Huntington, with his chil- 
dren. But whether in the pulpit or in the field, his heart 
was with the Lord in the greatest and best of works, the 
prosperity of Zion, and the salvation of men. 

In 1827, the Enosburg Quarterly Meeting Conference, 
found that several of the churches within its limits were 
losing ground in the spirit of gospel order, and were be- 
coming delinquent in many of the great duties of evan- 
gelical church organization. A letter was prepared by 
vote of the conference, and addressed to them as a sort 
of admonitory advice, and Elder Bowles was appointed 
to bear it to the different churches. It was a fitting ap- 
pointment ; he had been among them and dropped the 
tear of sympathy, in the time of planting the principles 
of the gospel as good seed in their heart ; he had watched 
with a yearning heart the progress of gospel truth among 
them, and now if there were erring ones, any getting cold 
and in danger of departing from their first love, he was 
the man who could throw around them the arm of love, 
and by the power of faith take hold on the arm of the 
Lord and draw them again into the sunlight of the great 
Immanuel's glory. By a communication of his to a friend, 
written on the 28th of June, 1827, we may learn some of 
his feelings. He says, " Last Sabbath I preached at Kich- 
mond ; it was a very solemn time ; although I have been 
over the ground so much for so many years, still I find 
much pleasure in the same work. Glory to God, it will 
never wear out. My poor body often feels worn down, 
but I feel strength from God equal to my day. Glory to 
God, he will take care of me in every time of need. I 
have been looking up to God by faith. My soul feels a 
wonderful cry, as I have been making my arrangements to 
leave home to visit the churches, and I have had some 






OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 1ST 

sweet and comforting hours in the grove. I have never 
intended to put the armor off, still I want to be sure that 
it is well buckled on in the name of the Lord, and while 
I am getting things ready for the body, I want to have my 
soul fed and blessed with the bread of eternal life, so as 
to rightly fulfil my mission." 

We learn by this communication of Elder Bowles, that 
as was usual with him, the grove was still his preparing 
place. On the 28th of June he preached at Jerico, and 
on the 29th at Cambridge. In both places the word was 
blessed to the hearts of the spoaker and hearers. He felt 
some trials, but his mind was filled with joy, that some of 
the dear brethren were firm and steadfast in the faith of 
Christ. On Saturday the 30th he attended the Enosburg 
Quarterly Meeting, at Fairfield, and preached the open- 
ing sermon. In speaking of the occasion, he says, "My 
soul felt lifted on high ; I felt to shout Glory to God to 
hear the warm exohrtations and prayers from the dear 
brethren. They all seem like loveing children of a dear 
family. On Sabbath trie preaching and exhortations 
were in power. Quite a number of ministers were pres- 
ent from several quarterly meetings. In attending the 
communion of our Lord's Supper, the Holy ghost came 
down and overshadowed the place with God's infinite 
glory. The shouts of the old saints made the kingdom of 
darkness tremble mightily. The poor penitent sinner be- 
gan to cry to God for mercy, and backsliders began to 
tremble." On Monday he preached to the Church again. 
He says : " We had a good time ; the holy, loving Jesus 
was in our midst ; the brothers and sisters present spoke 
very feelingly. After they got through, I delivered to 
them the Quarterly Meeting Epistle,and the church voted 
to receive it. After meeting three came forward for pray 



188 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

ers, and bowed down with us at the throne of grace with 
deep conviction on their minds. 0, may God have mer- 
cy on them ! I bless God for his all prevailing power to 
help his servants." 

2d of July he went in company with brother Shaw to 
the east part of Enosbnrg. Elder Shaw preached a weighty 
sermon. It was a melting time in exhortation and pray- 
er by the brethren and sisters. The bold hearted and 
backslider began to tremble mightily, and the good spirit 
guided the Ark along. Elder Bowles then delivered the 
Quarterly Meeting Epistle, and it was received by the 
vote of the church, and the church manifested a good dis- 
position to co-operate with the Quarterly Meeting in good 
faith. This gladdened his heart, as in his communication 
he expresses much satisfaction that so many of his breth- 
ren were willing to live for God and Heaven. On the 5th 
he went to North Enosburgh, and met a large and inter- 
esting congregation. The church came out with much in- 
terest. Some of the members took hold with a good de- 
gree of zeal and christian spirit, and welcomed him as the 
messenger of the Quarterly Meeting with christian affec- 
tion. 

At the close of the exercise he presented the Quarterly 
Meeting epistle. The church voted to receive it, and take 
the advice of the conference and walk in gospel order, 
try and induce all of the delinquent members to unite in 
gospel travail. On the 12th, Elder Shaw accompanied 
him to Farnham ; Elder Shaw preached a weighty ser- 
mon, and the brethren and sisters followed it with warm 
exhortations. Elder Bowles found the church well enga- 
ged, though some of the members were on the back ground. 
He faithfully pointed them to the great Redeemer, setting 
forth to them the many tokens of his love they had enjoy- 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 189 

ed. He then in an affectionate manner presented to them 
the Quarterly Meeting epistle ; the church unanimously 
agreed to adopt it, and regard its advice. He then at- 
tended to the ordinance of baptism ; his soul was lifted 
in the fullness of joy. Sabbath, 15th, he met a large con- 
gregation again in Famham ; the meeting was attended 
by mighty power, and the people manifested a commend- 
able degree of liberality to him, in a collection for his 
benefit to aid him in his temporal wants. After visiting 
the north part of the town, and a place in Berkshire call- 
ed Slab City, the west part of Enosburg, Bolton, Enos- 
burg, Starksboro, Richmond and Stowe, he went on 
praying to the Lord, and encouraging his brethren in the 
object of his mission; he everywhere enjoying the co-op- 
eration of the churches. 

We gather the above items from one of his communica- 
tions to one of his friends. He manifested in the com- 
munication much satisfaction in the accomplishment of 
the task imposed on him by the Quarterly Meeting. He 
doubtless could say with the great and good apostle Paul, 
" I have no greater joy, than to see my children walking 
in the truth." And thank God, this is a source of the 
greatest consolation to a humble, faithful minister of Christ. 
ISTow an enquirer might be at a loss to know what all this 
labor would amount to, considering Elder Bowles' literary 
acquirements could not entitle him to any important, or 
conspicuous position in the church or society. I answer, 
the church of God on earth has been, and is now, more 
indebted to good men, than learned men, for her enjoy- 
ment in moral power, and excellence in opposing sin, and 
being enabled to obey the injunction of the Redeemer to 
let her light shine before men, that they seeing her good 
works might glorify our Father in Heaven. For saith the 




190 LIFE, LABOES, AND TRAVELS, 

holy bible as the word of God, " Not by might, nor by 
power, but by my spirit saith the Lord." It is the spirit 
of the Lord in the hearts of good men in the church and 
in the ministry, that has given edge to these sermons 
and exhortations, that has made infidelity wince under 
the power of truth. It was this that drew the deep groan 
and tear from their eyes and hearts — that melted the ob- 
durate heart ot the sinner and led him to the Eedeemer's 
cross to obtain mercy. And such a spirit now in the 
church and among the ministry, accompanied by literary 
intelligence, will do much to elevate the church in a high 
state of spiritual and moral excellence. 

Although Elder Bowles was a colored man, his manly 
bearing, his noble spirit, and his amiable christian char- 
acter, so greatly endeared him to the people of Yermont, 
he was warmly recognized as a brother. And as Yermont 
as a State, is ident : fied with the American coniederacy, 
in the great political and ecclesiastical interest of the 
American nation, God only knows, how far the influence 
of that man has been felt in revolutionizing the public 
sentiment of the State, against the abomination of Amer- 
ican slavery. But I cannot doubt that it has been, and 
still has an influence in destroying prejudice against color. 
And not he alone, as a colored man, for cotemporary with 
him was another colored man in the State, of remarkable 
influence as a christian, and a bible scholar, although he 
was once a slave in New York. I allude to brother Jef- 
frey Brace. I am acquainted with several brethren, in 
whose hearts were planted the seeds of Abolitionism, by 
the simple tale of that man's wrongs, inflicted by the cru- 
el slave power. Said one brother, to hear Elder Bowles 
preach, and brother Jeffrey Brace talk, was enough to 
make abolitionists of a whole community. 



OF ELD. CHAULES BOWLES. 191 

'No doubt many who read this book, and this allusion 
to brother Jeffrey, have read with pleasing interest a book 
once published, giving a minute history of that man. — 
Brother Jeffrey was kidnapped in Africa when a small 
boy, together with a little sister. They were bathing in a 
small pond of water near the home of their infancy and 
parental affection, the dearest spot on earth to them, far 
more than any spot on this land of legalized heathenism 
and baptized oppression. "While there, enjoying all the 
happiness of youth, and unconscious of danger, the cruel 
man thief came there, and with a heart seared with crime 
and cankered with avarice, which the slave buyers and 
drivers in America had fitted for that business. In a mo- 
ment he thought of the money they would bring in the 
land of freedom and bibles. The next moment his tiger 
grasp was upon them, and the heel of oppression, crush- 
ing every tie that bound them to home, where waited in 
anxious expectation their fond parents. They were soon 
placed on board the slaver, the death prison of thousands 
of their fellow countrymen, and with a cargo of their 
friends and countrymen, to endure all the horrors of the 
middle passage, they set sail for the land of whips, and 
chains welded and riveted by the descendants of liberty 
loving patriots. Men, who themselves, boast of liberty 
and equal rights to mankind. A land where amidst the 
loudest professions of Christianity, human misery and 
suffering has scarcely a parallel in the history of nations. 
On arriving to this land to be exposed at sale in the slave 
mart, they were plunged in the deepest misery and wan- 
ton cruelty by the merciless oppressor. And amidst the 
reading of the American Declaration of Independence, 
'" That all men are born free and equal," they were legal- 
ized into chattels, to endure all the caprice of a master 



192 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

during their earthly existence, with the scalding tears 
chasing each other down their youthful cheeks, as they 
stood among strangers, to meet the bitter scorn. It was a 
sight to be pitied. Alone in a land of foes, to be used 
only as avarice may dictate, and lust demand — no doating 
mother to attend to their wants, and to anticipate every 
childish wish — no fond bosom upon which to lean their 
aching heads, after being forced to toil all the live-long 
day — no strong father to protect them from harm, and 
guide their unwonted feet in the paths of childhood ; but 
the whips and chains their only relatives, and money the 
only tie to their master. 

But what cares American despotism for the crushed 
hopes and woes, and rent ties of parental affection. The 
African slave trade is declared piracy by the American 
laws, but a trade equally as cruel is sustained and sanc- 
tioned by American laws, and religious statesmen and 
priests, by the forum and pulpit. Of this trade, Thomas 
J. Randolph, Ex-Governor of Virginia, says : — " Is it bet- 
ter, is it not worse, sir, than the African slave trade ? 
Yes, in my opinion it is much worse. Here, sir, the mas- 
ter tears from the mother's arms, sells into a strange land, 
subject to cruel task-masters, individuals whom he has 
known from infancy, whom he has seen sporting in the 
innocent gambols of childhood, and who have been accus- 
tomed to look to him for protection from childhood.'-' 
Such a sentiment from a Virginian is worthy of consider- 
ation. 

In one single year, the State of Virginia alone, has sold ? 
and sent from their friends and homes, into the southern 
sugar plantations, rice swamps, and cotton fields, forty 
thousand human beings. And during the same year, the 
four States of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas. 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 193 

purchased more than two hundred and fifty thousand 
slaves. And this is a necessary part of the system, the 
whole system as it exists in this American Confederacy. 
Thousands have an abundance of tears to shed over the 
foreign slave trade, but none to mingle with those shed 
by the victims of domestic slave trade. Pulpits resound 
with well paid declarations against kidnapping in Africa : 
but cry " steboy " to the vile human blood hounds, who 
hunt down and kidnap the poor, panting, flying fugitive 
in America. Among this class may be found many of 
the Doctors of Divinity of the different religious denomi- 
nations of the North, and in ecclesiastical affiinity with 
the Rev. Dr. Spring of New York city, who witji cool ef- 
frontery to the spirit of humanity and bible religion, de- 
clared that, " If one prayer of his could set free every 
slave in the country, he would not dare offer that prayer. r 
Oh, how different this spirit and conduct, to that of the 
Divine Redeemer whom they profess to imitate. He in 
the generous spirit of Heaven proclaimed, "The spirit of 
the Lord God is upon me, for the Lord hath, annointed 
me to preach the gospel to the poor ; he hath sent me to 
heal the broken-hearted ; to preach deliverance to the 
captive, and the opening of the prison doors to them thai 
are bound. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord ; 
and the day of vengeance of our God, and comfort them 
that mourn." . The compassionate Jesus could not pass by 
the scenes of. suffering and misery without an expression 
of holy sympathy ; he did not, nor could not connive at 
the local or national systems of his day, or wink at the 
evils therein incorporated. What a contrast this, with 
the sentiment of Rev. Dr. Parker of Philadelphia, who 
says, " There are no evils in slavery but what are insep- 
arable from every other relation, in civil and social life. v 

G 



194 LIFE, LABORS AND TRAVELS, 

And with these sentiments and others of a similar stamp, 
agree Dr. Moses Stewart of Andover, Eev. ~W. M. Kogers 
of Boston, W. Crumell of "Waterford, and Doctors Taylor 
of New Haven, Hopkins of Vermont, and Orville Dew- 
ey of New York, all men holding important stations in 
the American church, and some of them at the head of 
Theological Institutions in the land. These men, togeth- 
er with the two great political parties of the country, ex- 
ert their combined influence to crush God's poor in the 
very dust, and consign this nation to perpetual bondage, 
and heathenism. 

But to return to our poor friendless children. It was 
fortunate for poor Jeffrey and his sister that they both fell 
into the hands of one man, a circumstance that does not 
often occur in this land of whips. But this good fortune 
was soon suddenly rent by the system under which they 
were doomed to suffer. His sister for some real or imag- 
inary fault, received a severe whipping, which ended all 
her sufferings in this land of oppression, and her young 
spirit took its departure for the bosom of a just Gocl, where 
color does not change justice, and where every slave hold- 
er must soon give an account for all their wrongs done to 
the poor African. This was a sore affliction to brother 
Jeffrey. He used to speak of it with deep feeling ; he 
says, " When I looked upon her motionless form, I could 
not comprehend the meaning of her silence, and tried 
hard to awaken her from her long still sleep ; and learning 
"her situation I desired to die with her." 

To the poor suffering slave, death is often a welcome 
messenger ; for under the system of despotism, he has 
nothing to live for in this life. Slavery deprives him of 
the enjoyment of wife, children, parents, brothers, sisters, 
and the social enjoyments of life. Despotism aims a well 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 195 

directed, legalized blow on his manhood, and in the lan- 
guage of the Southern Slave Code, " Slaves shall be ta- 
ken, deemed, and reputed, as chattels personal, in the 
hands of their owners, executors, assignees and adminis- 
trators to all intents and purposes whatsoever." After 
brother Jeffrey had arrived at the age of manhood, he 
made a profession of religion, and not a mere profession, 
he was a true christian at heart, as all who knew him 
could attest. At this point allow me to say, many indi- 
viduals, and even some professors of religion, often at- 
tempt to justify the system of American slavery, and the 
slave trade, on the ground that "it takes the African 
away from heathen darkness to enjoy the advantage of a 
christian country." To every candid mind this will ap- 
pear a poor apology, to employ the agency of wicked 
spirits combining all the elements of the dark pit, carried 
on by men of wicked motives, to accomplish the plan of 
redeeming love. If the infinite mercy of God does snatch 
a few of the wretched beings from the darkness of hea- 
thenism, by applying the rich blood of the great atone- 
ment, no thanks to men or devils. It will not exhonerate 
them from the guilt and crime of despotism — it will not 
atone for the devastation and carnage of the wars on the 
African continent, instigated by the slave, trade, and all 
the demoralizing influences on the millions coming in con- 
tact with the nefarious traffic. Shame on any American 
christian who will attempt to defend the system on such 
a plea; and shame on the American christian, who will' 
compromise the principle of justice, and eternal right, to 
support any political organization, that will legalize or 
justify the heathenizing human beings in a professedly 
christian land. 

Brother Jeffrey, after serving many years in slavery, . 



196 LIFE, LABORS, AND TKAVKLS. 

was rJ last set free. But at what time, orhy what means 
I am ii'xi informed . As a cotemporary with Elder Bowles , 
his noble pious character had a powerful influence on the 
public mind in Yermont, He had a powerful and won- 
derful memory, a trait characteristic of the African race, 
and altho. gh for many years during the latter part of his 
life, he was perfectly blind, he had the bible so complete- 
ly committed to his memory, that he could repeat it chap- 
ter and verse from Genesis to Revelations, with an accu- 
racy truly astonishing. One might sit clown with him 
and open the bible in any place, and commence reading 
in any chapter or verse following, and so continue to do. 
It has been said of him, that if the bible was lost, and 
not a copy to be found on earth, if a good writer should 
sit down with him, he could repeat from memory so that 
a complete copy could be again produced. At Camp, 
Quarterly, or Yearly Meetings, Conferences, or associa- 
tions of all denominations, an interview with brother 
Jeffrey, vras eagerly sought and enjoyed, by ministers and 
people. Now, kind reader, be assured that two such kin- 
dred-spirits could not be without their influence in helping 
shape the mind of the community in Yermont. Truly 
favorable to the cause of impartial freedom, Yermont 
now stands among the first of her States in the American 
Union, in political denunciation of the system of slavery 
in all its abominations ; her Green Mountains have ech- 
oed, the deep toned voice of a majority of her citizens in 
her legislative proceedings ; while the ecclesiastical pro- 
ceedings of he; religious bodies, especially the Free Will 
Baptists, have had a great influence in revolutionizing 
public sentiment. Brother Jeffrey Brace in life, was use- 
ful, and in death was happy. It may truly be said of 
him, " His record is on high," 



OF ELD. C1IAKLES BOWLES. 197 

Up to the 22d of May. 1834, Elder Bowles continued 
to live in Huntington with his daughter and her children, 
■and occupying his time in farming some, and itinerating 
in the several Quarterly Meetings. At times the clouds 
seemed filled, and occasionally a holy shower fell on the 
churches. He had many precious opportunities to go 
down into the limpid streams, and bury the happy con- 
vert in the likeness of the great Immanuel. He often 
during this time, enjoyed happy communion with God, 
and his brethren, in breaking bread to the churches in the 
several Quarterly Meetings. Religion was his only, his 
entire theme. No excitement in the community of a 
secular or political character could tempt him aside from 
the caube of God. He lived in Vermont at a time when 
the State was completely convulsed in a popular excite- 
ment on the subject of Fme Masonry — when the pulpit 
and press was drawing every man into the whirlpool of 
excitement. It was said of Elder Bowles, that he turned 
not to the right or left, if his sympathies were at any time 
needed, and by him manifested, it was for truth and right, 
and it was peaceably conveyed to them that needed it. 

On the 22d of May, 1834, he broke up house-keeping. 
By a letter to one of his friends, it seems that it was a 
solemn time with him, he had lived in Huntington 
about twenty years with some of his children and grand- 
children. And although he was a faithful and laborious 
minister, doing the work of an evangelist, he was an af- 
fectionate father, and as a citizen and neighbor he was 
much respected. Many of his friends in Huntington, 
were warmly attached to him, but he felt it to be duty to 
go, and he could not confer with flesh and blood, in his 
own rest and ease. He in company with his daughter 
Eunice and her children, went to Rutland. On the eve- 



198 

ning of the 29th, he enjoyed an interesting prayer meet- 
ing. He spent several days in the place holding meetings, 
and visiting ; at first nothing appeared encouraging, hut 
soon there appeared a giving way, and one evening twen- 
ty persons came forward for prayers. Then the waters 
of free salvation began to rise, the cloud began to break, 
the cry began to be heard in all directions. Through the 
months of June and July, the Elder's soul seemed to be 
in a constant travail for Zion in that community. In one 
meeting, he says to a friend in a letter, " We are having 
a wonderful time in this place ; last evening the power of 
the Lord came down in great majesty — many cried for 
mercy — the struggle lasted some two hours — at last vic- 
tory turned on Zion's side. Glory to God." During the 
remainder of the year, the Elder attended several pro- 
tracted meetings in Eutland county. In all of them the 
power of the great head of Zion was more or less mani- 
fested. We do not learn that he went to house-keeping ; 
probably he did not, but his children and grand-children 
went into different families of his friends to live. 

During the years 1835 and 1836, he found a home 
wherever duty called him to labor as an evangelist. In. 
those two years, he spent much of his time in the Corinth, 
and Wheelock Quarterly Meetings, though he attended 
the sessions of the Huntington and Enosburg Quarterly 
Meetings, and labored some with the churches. 1836, 
was the winding up of his long and faithful labors in 
Yermont. For thirty years he had been familiar with the 
mountains, rivers and vallies of the State. He had trav- 
eled thousands of miles, enduring midsummer's heat and 
the pelting storms of winter ; he had wept in many a 
family circle over the erring wanderer, and the returning 
penitent prodigal, and could the rocks and trees speak, 



OF ELD CHARLES BOWLES. 199 

they could tell of many groans and tears in the silent 
grove, that fell from his eyes and heart, in deep sympathy 
for poor erring man, while the Angel guard watched over 
him in his solemn hours. He had seen the grave close 
over many a lovely youth, and manly form, as well as the 
aged, and in all places, his heart did sympathize like the 
compassionate Jesus at the grave of Lazarus while he 
wept with Martha and Mary. In imitation of the dear 
Jesus, Elder Bowles often wept at the bed-side, and at 
the grave, with those that wept, and rejoiced with those 
that rejoiced. The spirit of humanity was cherished 
there in the sympathies and prayers of a Colby, a Bowles, 
a Haynes, a Jeffrey Brace, and others, that shows that 
religion with humanity as its soul living in the heart of 
the humble, faithful christian, will have an abiding exist- 
ence somewhere. And it can be said of such men in 
much truthfulness, in the language of the Poet: — 

"It shan't be said that praying breath, 
Was ever spent in vain. 

This shall be known when we are dead, 

And left on long record, 
That ages yet unborn may read, 

And trust and fear the Lord." 

Elder Bowles in leaving his friends in Vermont, could 
say with the Poet — 

"How sweet the hours have passed away, 
When we have met to sing and pray, 
Flow loth we've been to leave the place, 
Where Jesus shows his loving face. 

Oh, could I stay with friends so land, 
How would it cheer my feinting mind; 
But duty makes me understand, 
That we must take the parting hand." 



CHAPTER XIII. 

From 1836 to 1843 — He moves into New York — An incident on the 
way — His Labors in Hopkinton and Lawrence — Several Churches 
Gathered — The Fulfilment of a Curious Dream — He becomes Par- 
tially Blind — Ordination of Brother Baldwin — He Attends and 
Preaches at the First Session of the St, Lawrence Yearly Meeting- 
— His Health Fails — His Death. 

Sometime during the latter part of 1837, Rev. Charles 

Bowles 2d, son of Elder Bowles, then Pastor of the 
Presbyterian church in Hopkinton, New York, came into 
Vermont to visit his father and friends. Seeing the great 
good affected by his father's labors in the Eastern States, 
lie urgently solicited him to visit Northern New York, 
and spend some time as an evangelist. After making it a 
subject of enquiry and prayer to the Lord, he made up 
his mind to go, and after making suitable arrangements, 
as to his temporal affairs, he bid adieu for the present, to 
his friends in Vermont, and turned away from the Green 
Mountains with deep feelings, to occupy a new field of 
gospel labor. He crossed the beautiful Champlain and 
trod the soil of the Empire State, with a solemn cry in 
his soul to God to accompany him on his route. Like old 
Eleasar, he begged for Divine assistance to bless him in his 
journey, and crown his labors with success, and send some 
Rebecca in his way. In passing on the turnpike by way 
of the Chataguay woods, he came in the evening to a shan- 
ty of wood-cutters, and asked a lodging among them ; 
although a rude set of wicked men, they not only opened 
their cabin to him, but their hearts were open to give him 



OF mftil CHARLES BOWLES. 201 

a cordial welcome. There in that lonely spot, among 
strangers, the man of God rested his body, while his soul 
travailed in pain for them to enjoy the blessing of 
saving grace. In the morning before he left, he bowed 

at mercy's altar to lift the voice of prayer in their behalf. 
Its influence had not effect only in heaven, but in those 
wicked hearts ; several of them were deeply effected and 
promised him that they would seek the Savior and give 
their hearts to him, which they afterwards did. It pro- 
duced a change ; the sound of the woodsman's axe in its 
deep echo in the forest, mingled with the deep toned echo 
•of his voice, in praise to the great Immanuel, opened a 
new era in the scene in the history of that forest living. 
It was a fitting place to dedicate one's self to God ; in the 
bosom of nature, amidst all her beautiful harmony, where 
religion could appear natural and send forth its sponta- 
neous out-gushing of a generous nature ; it is a perfect 
emblem of the blessed heaven, where the soul is harmon- 
ized with the works of God, and sees God in the exist- 
ence of the whole. The humble cabin with all its appur- 
tenances, the rugged clift, the sombre appearance of the 
forest, may all appear uncouth to the eye of popular re- 
finement, amidst the stately edifices of art, but thank God, 
nature is free from that endless monotony so common in 
refined society, as everything is instinctive so is it harmo- 
nious. In the spring all nature dances and skips in glad- 
some merriment, while the tender vine, with all its 
kindred, springs up and throws its arms lovingly around 
the sturdy oak, the maple, or the beach, while the little 
rill warmed by the smiles of spring goes bounding and 
singing in beautiful harmony with the music of the birds, 
and all seem to be in love with one another. It seemed 
quite providential for Elder Bowles, that his journey to 



202 LIFE, LABORS, AND TEAVELS, 

New York lay through the long pathway of the Chata- 
guay, and that poor hut of the woodsman laid on that 
route. 

On arriving at Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties, he 
found some of his old Vermont acquaintances, and some 
whom he had led down into the liquid stream in Ver- 
mont. This no doubt gladdened his heart anew for the 
contest. He loved the Free Will Baptists, and in looking 
over the extent of country from Lake Champlain on the 
east, to the River St. Lawrence and the Lake Ontario on 
the west, no organization of that denomination had taken 
place, either as churches or conferences. The character 
of the community was not to appearance very flattering 
in encouraging the organization of another religious sect. 
People had begun to settle in the country from almost 
every nation, English, Dutch, French, Scotch, Lish, Ger- 
mans and Yankees, forming quite a heterogeneous class 
of community. With almost all kinds of religious opin- 
ions of course, there would be no small amount of bigotry 
and sectarian jealousy ; and yet, notwithstanding all this, . 
Elder Bowles' faith in God, that his blessing would attend 
the promulgation of gospel truth, and make room for free 
salvation, was so strong, that he predicted he should live 
to see an organization of Free Will Baptists from Lake to 
Lake. He soon bought a small farm in Hopkinton, and 
let it to his son. Eev. Charles Bowles, 2d, situated his 
children who were dependent on him, so that the proceeds 
of his farm could afford him some pecuniary benefit. 

The first ground he broke in gospel labor was in Dick- 
inson, which resulted in the organization of a church at 
that part of the town called Burnt Hill. But as most of 
the members lived within the limits of the town of Law^ 
rence, the church was called the First Free Will Baptist 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 203 

Church in Lawrence. This was the last of the year 1837. 
At the September session of the Lawrence Quarterly- 
Meeting, in 1849, its name was changed to the First Free 
"Will Baptist church in Dickinson. Elders Bundy, and 
D. Colbv, were laboring at the same time in the town of 
Lawrence, and on the oth of July 7 1838, assisted by El- 
der Bowles, they organized a church in the west part of 
the town, called the Second Free Will Baptist Church, 
embracing within its limits what is now the First Free 
Will Baptist Church in Hopkinton, and the First Free 
Will Baptist Church in Brasher. The former was set off in 
organization by Elder Wm. Whitfield, the latter part of 

1838, and the latter by Elder Newell, the fore part of 

1839. Elders Bundy, Colby, and Bowles, labored some 
in Moira during the fall, and then the winter session of 
the Quarterly Meeting was held in the place; after its 
close, Elders Mores Cole and Stedman Cummins, spent 
some weeks among the people, laboring in word and doc- 
trine. The community enjoyed a heavenly shower of 
grace ; a number were baptized by Elder Hart, and soon 
after, Elders Cole and Hart effected an efficient organiza- 
tion of a church. 

The Quarterly Meeting though young, was composed 
of the 1st and 2d churches in Lawrence, 1st church in 
Mores, 1st church in Parishville, 1st church in Moira, and 
1st church in Potsdam. The prospect now began to be 
encouraging, and the hearts of the brethren began to be 
gladdened in prospect of an efficient organization. And 
while Elders Bundy, Colby, Hart, Cole, Whitfield, and 
others, were laboring among the churches to enlarge the 
borders of Zion, Elder Bowles went in company with 
Deacon Willis of Parishville, to visit Pierpont. The 
people there had no knowledge of the Free Will Baptists, 



204: LIFE, LABOES, AND TRAVELS. 

and the fact of his being a colored man, he drew much 
attention and created much interest among the people. 
His first meeting was held in the Howard school-house - 
He next preached at the Beach Plain school-house. In 
"both places multitudes came out to hear the word dispen- 
sed by one of the disfranchised race of Ham. Still all 
else appeared discouraging. A powerful sectarian influ- 
ence sought to crush everything deviating from the secta- 
rian track of ages ; as sectarian bigotry and superstition 
always does, without hearing or investigating. But this 
hard master whose Sting is in his creed, had now assailed 
the wrong man. He might have looked on this dark son 
of Africa, and, backed up by all the mountain of preju- 
dice hanging over him like a mill-stone, and imagined 
him an easy prey. But he was as much mistaken as was 
Apolion when he met Christian in the Yalley of Humili- 
ation. Brother Bowles was too old a soldier to be easily 
vanquished ; his weapons were not carnal ; he like young 
David, had slain his Lion and Bear in Term out ; he was 
ready to meet the nncircumcised destroyer of God's holy 
vineyard. His faith was to be brought into action, and 
his confidence in his God encouraged him to hope. 

But in such an emergency, he went not to councils or 
synods, but he went to the great head of the church, and 
in answer to prayer God was pleased to encourage his 
heart, in a singular dream at brother Merrit Howard's, 
He dreamed that he was in the barn where brother How- 
ard was threshing grain ; that he heard a rustling in the 
hay, and putting his hand in, took out a squirrel, and then 
another, and continued to do so until he took out twenty 
He interpreted this dream as ominous of the organization 
of a church of twenty members, and thus predicted it to 
brother Howard, and told brother Howard that he would 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 205 

be a Deacon in the church by the representation of the 
first squirrel he took out. He labored on until a number 
professed religion, and others were reclaimed, and pre- 
pared to form a church. The modern Sanballats, Tobi- 
ases, and Gersems, appeared in opposition to the works, 
but the walls of God's spiritual Jerusalem must go up in 
the name of the Lord. On the 20th of January, 1839, 
lie met the brethren at the school-house. Brother How- 
ard and his wile, with some others from the Methodist 
church came forward and united with the church. Elder 
Bowles was partially blind, and the brother who took 
down the names reported nineteen; Elder Bowles was so 
influenced by his dream of twenty squirrels, that he ex- 
claimed there is one more, and in his characteristic man- 
ner, he said, you, dear creature, if you are in the house? 
come right forward. A young man at the back part of 
the congregation rose up and acknowledged that he had 
been sitting trembling under the cross, and gave in his 
name. The church was then organized, and brother How- 
ard w^as chosen Deacon, according to the interpretation of 
the dream. The church adopted a covenant and a plan 
for a regular Monthly Meeting, and agreed to walk in gos- 
pel order in mutual fellowship, and confidence as a living 
branch in Christ as the vine. 

On the first Saturday in February, Elder Bowles and 
Bundy met with the new church in their first Monthly 
Meeting. It was a hapj^y time among the brethren and 
sisters. All seemed satisfied with bible discipline. At 
this meeting the church voted to ask admission into the 
Quarterly Meeting, as a member of that body ; which 
request was granted at the June session of the 
Quarterly Meeting. Elder Bowles continued his labors 
with the church until the summer, when Elder 1ST. W". 



206 LIFE, LABO 

Bixby, from Yermont, came into, the place, and relieved 
hhn from his labors there for a while. He then went 
back to Dickinson, and united with the brethren there in 
getting the affairs of the church in gospel order. He gave 
up his farm in Hopkinton, and took a small place in Dick- 
inson, and went to housekeeping with his daughter who 
had lived with him in Yermont. He then went to Ma- 
lone and Chataguay, and broke the ground for the gospel 
seed, mid in the latter place, he organized a Free Will 
Baptist Church. He there enjoyed the co-operation of 
Deacon Sargent, and found a home at his house, that truly 
gladdened his heart. He also assisted in the organization 
of a church in Malone, called the Malone and Constable 
church ; he subsequently did much in building it up in 
the interest of Zion. Churches had been organized in 
Mores, "West Plattsburg, and Peru in Clinton county, 
bordering on Lake Champlain, so that it seemed likely 
his prediction would be fulfilled. Churches had been or- 
ganized in Stockholm by Elder Hart, and West Potsdam 
by Elder Cole. Elder Bowles had now quite a field of 
gospel labor as an evangelist. One thing it will be im- 
portant here to mention, he had become quite blind in 
his natural sight, but his spiritual discernment was clear, 
his memory was good, and he had the bible well stored in 
his mind ; it was his study in which he took delight. He 
would name the chapter and verse as his text and repeat 
it ; he would name the number of a hymn in the book, 
and repeat it with as mueh precision as he could with 
sight, and the book before him. On being introduced to 
a brother or sister, he would take the tone of their voice in 
his mind, and ever afterward recognize them by their voice 
whether in or out of meeting, and call them by name. 
As a fact on this point, we give an instance, while he was 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 207 

holding meetings in Pierpont : Elder "William Whitfield 
a licensed minister, then living in Lawrence, (a brother 
that Elder Bowles had never seen, but only heard his 
voice,) came into the Howard school-house while Elder 
Bowles was preaching; after sermon, several brethren 
and sisters spoke in exhortation. Elder Whitfield, as an 
entire stranger in the meeting, rose up and began to speak ; 
as soon as he had done speaking, Elder Bowles exclaimed,, 
brother Whitfield, will you come forward and close the 
meeting. He knew brother "Whitfield readily by his voice, 
though he did not know until then that he was in the 
town. 

It was a great consolation to him and his brethren, that 
he loved the blessed gospel and loved to preach it, al- 
though deprived of that important faculty, the power of 
sight. Thank God, he had the consolation to know that 
in the heavenly paradise, the sight will be restored and 
the enjoyment of life and love will fill the soul with in- 
finite joy. In a clear day, Elder Bowles could discover 
objects moving before him, and could see a person stand- 
ing between him and the door or window, but he could 
not distinguish one person from another. Although El- 
der Bowles was blind, the brethren and friends manifested 
a warm christian sympathy for him, and even the youth 
in every family he visited, esteemed it a great privilege 
to wait on him and lead him about from house to house, 
and to his meetings. 

On Sabbath, 8th of December, Elder Bowles on a coun- 
cil, with Elders Bundy and Newell, attended the ordina- 
tion of brother Abram V. Baldwin, at ISTickolville, St. 
Lawrence county. At the same conference, Rev. Joseph 
Kimball, a minister of the Protestant Methodist church 
was received as a member of the Quarterly Meeting. 



208 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

Thus the little band of christian and ministerial strength, 
seemed to be on the increase. Elder Bowies' heart leap- 
ed for joy at the progress the cause of God seemed to be 
making in Northern New York. At the February ses- 
sion of the Quarterly Meeting at Parishville, the church 
in Pierpont organized by Elder Bowles, and the church 
in Chasey organized by Elder Baldwin, were received as 
members. At the June session of the Quarterly Meeting, 
Elder Bowles enjoyed the pleasure with his brethren, in 
welcoming Elders John Davis and George Haeket from 
the Vermont Yearly Meeting, to help in gospel labor in 
this Quarterly Meeting for a while. At this session of 
the Quarterly Meeting, brother Richard Parks was li- 
censed to preach the gospel. Soon he had the happiness 
to join his brethren in receiving the church of Ilermon 
and Dekalb as a member. 

At the eleventh session of the Quarterly Meeting, held 
at Nickolville, the subjects of temperance, missions, and 
anti-slavery came up for consideration, and it was recom- 
mended to the delegates to lay it befure the several church- 
es, calling for an expression of sentiment on the subject. 
Thus Elder Bowles had lived to see the day when the 
poor colored man in chains, with whom he was in part 
nationally identified, pitied by those whom he had been 
the instrument in leading to the cross of the compassion- 
ate Redeemer, to obtain pardon from sin, and the slavery 
of Satan. At this session of the Quarterly Meeting, his 
old friend Dc aeon Carlton McEwen presided as modera- 
tor. Deacon McEwen early embraced the cause of liberty, 
and afterward did much in co-operation with the friends 
of the African, in annihilating the spirit of unholy prej- 
udice existing against the colored race. 

At the January session 1841, held at Mores, Clinton Co,, 



OF ELU. CHARLES BOWLES. 209 

lie had the joy and pleasure of knowing that two more 
brethren were licensed to join the Quarterly Meeting. 
They were brothers Enoch Drew and Loderwiek Squire. 
And at this session a resolution was passed to unite with 
the Jefferson Quarterly Meeting to organize a Yearly 
Meeting. The Jefferson Quarterly Meetings were Free 
Communion Baptists, but had concluded to unite with 
the Free Will Baptists in forming one hodj in church or- 
ganization. At the June session, Elder Bowles took part 
in licensing brother Alfred .Day of the Hermon church, 
and in the ordination of brother William Whitfield, of 
the Lawrence church. Soon after this, Elder William 
Warner came into the Quarterly Meeting, from Vermont, 
and labored to good . acceptance with the brethren. At 
the June session in 1842, Elders (xilman Sanbon, and 
Steclman Cummins, from Vermont, attended and received 
a cordial welcome among the brethren. It was a great 
consolation to Elder Bowles to know that the little one 
was becoming strong in the Lord, and gaming favor with 
the people in Northern New York. In July, the dele- 
gates of the Quarterly Meeting met at Fowler. After 
committing the interest of Zion to God as the great head 
of the church, and pledging to each other mutual fellow- 
ship, the brethren united in organizing a Yearly Meeting, 
to be known as the St. Lawrence Free Will Baptist Year- 
ly Meeting. So that the prediction of Elder Bowles was 
literally fulfilled ; the organization had extended from 
Lake to Lake, across the entire Northern New York. 

Elder Bowles had now arrived to his eighty-second year 
of age, and some over forty of his' ministry. The giant 
frame, and powerful lungs, that had sent forth such migh- 
ty sounds of gospel salvation, that so often shook the Ba- 
bel of darkness, began to fail, like the mighty Oak that 



210 LIFE, LABOES, AND TRAVELS, 

had breasted the storm and the tempest. He had some 
temporal means, by way of his annual pension from the 
government, the amonnt of which with some presents 
from brethren, was sufficient to make him comfortable. 
In company with one of his daughters, he went to Malone 
to spend his last days. He bought a small farm of a Mr. 
Hildreth, and went to house-keeping with his daughter 
Eunice. He continued to preach with the church, as 
his age, and feeble health would permit. He doubtless- 
felt to say with the Poet : — 

" Happy if with my latest breath, 

I may but gasp his name, 
Preach him to all, and cry in death, 

Behold, behold the Lamb." 

In October, 1842, the first session of Yearly Meeting 
convened at Lawrenceville, in the Congregational meet- 
ing-house. Elder Bowles arrived in town, very feeble in 
health, and put up at brother Luther Whitney's ; but not- 
withstanding his infirmity and feeble health, it was a great 
day with him ; his soul seemed to mount up as in the 
chariot of Aminidad. Brothers and sisters from Lewis, 
Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Franklin, and Clinton counties, 
had come in to represent the interest of Zion, within the 
bounds of Free "Will Baptist organization ; many of them 
he had never seen, but knew them by voice, and their 
hearts were all blended together in the fellowship and 
communion of the gospel. The business of the Yearly 
Meeting Conference was done in harmony ; the sermons, 
exhortations and prayers of the brethren and sisters were 
in the spirit of the gospel. Gn Saturday, Elder Bundy 
led Elder Bowles into the pulpit ; it was an interesting, 
affecting and solemn sight ; blind and borne down by tha 
weight of eighty-two years, yet bearing up a spirit full 



OF ELD. CHAELES BOWLES. 211 

of hope. The scene drew tears from many eyes in the 
congregation. They were tears of affection and christian 
sympathy ; but many of those who wept, wept not as 
those who weep without hope. Thank God, they knew 
by experience, that arm on which he leaned. He rose 
np and with a strong voice gave out the 820th hymn in 
the Christian Melody. He named the number, and dis- 
tinctly repeated the hymn : — 

" And let this feeble body fail, 

And let it faint and die, 
My bouI shall quit this mournful vale, 

And soar to worlds on high. 

Shall gain the disembodied saints, 

And find its long sought rest, 
That only bliss for which it pants, 

In the Redeemer's breast. 

In hope of that Immortal Crown, 

I now the cross sustain, 
And gladly wander up and down, 

And smite, and toil, and pain. 

I suffer on^.my three score years, 

'Till my deliverer come, 
And wipe away his servant's tears, 

And take his exile home. 
O, what hath Jesus bought for me, 

Before my ravished eyes, 
Rivers of life Divine I see, 

And trees of paradise. 
I see a world of spirits bright, 

Who taste the pleasures there, 
They all are robed in spotless white, 

And conquering palms they bear. 

O, what are all my sufferings here, 

If Lord thou count me meet, 
With that enraptured host to appear, 

And worship at thy feet. 



212 

Give joy or grief, give ease or pain, 

Take life or friends away, 
But let me find them all again, 
, In that Eternal day." 

After prayer, lie rose up and named the first chapter of 
Romans and sixteenth verse, " For I am not ashamed of 
the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto sal- 
vation, unto every one that believeth," 

Although Elder Bowles greatly desired to preach at this 
session of the yearly meeting, to leave a dying testimony 
his anxiety of mind was more than his bodily strength, 
He was not able to finish his sermon, and he called upon. 
Elder Bundy who sat by him in the pulpit, to address the 
people. It is said to have been an unusually solemn and 
weeping time. His voice had become much broken by 
age and long use ; still his soul seemed to dive into the 
deep fountains of God's infinite love. The sympathy and 
love of every christian heart in that meeting seemed to 
flow on in holy harmony, in the great channel of gospel 
liberty. A remark has been made to me by sister Tur- 
ner of Fowler, who was present at the meeting, that it 
seemed like a little Heaven on the earth. After meeting 
Elder Bowles was led back to Brother Whitney's, where 
many of the brethren and sisters flocked in to take the 
last earthly look of one about to put off the holy armor. 
Elder Whitfield remarked to him on shaking his hand, he 
hoped to meet him again on earth. He feelingly exclaim- 
ed : "No, never, Brother Whitfield, in this world, but I 
hope we shall meet in Heaven." He was fully conscious 
that his bark was nearing the port of endless bliss. By 
faith he could look to God and exclaim with good old Sim- 
eon, " Now Lord, lettest thy servant depart in peace, for 
mine eyes have seen thy great salvation, which thou hast 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 213 

prepared before the face of all people." After taking 
leave of all the friends, commending them and the inter- 
ests of Quarterly and Yearly Meetings to the care of Heav- 
en, he went in company with a brother back to Malone. 
Being infirm, he gave up the place he was occupying, and 
broke up house keeping. His daughter went into the 
family of a friend to live, and lie employed his temporal 
means in paying his board in the family of a Mr. Fuller, 
During the fall of 1842, and first of the winter of 1843, 
he attended a few meetings, and visited in the neighbor- 
hood. His health continuing to fail until the last of Jan- 
uary, when he was attacked with the erycipelas in the 
feet, which began to prostrate him, as it began to work 
in the blood, and effect the whole system. It soon became 
apparent to his friends that the disorder was of a malig- 
nant character. He failed so fast that it became impossi- 
ble to move him to a place more convenient for the friends 
to administer to his wants. It was his wish to be carried 
to Brother Walter Hildreths, but Brother H. being very 
low with sickness, and Elder B., in the opinion of the phy- 
sician, too feeble to be moved, it was thought best for him 
to be kept in the place where lie then was. To this he 
calmly acquiesced. The family was poor, and the house 
was small, consequently there were not those convenien- 
ces his friends wished. But they were untiring in their 
exertions to do all in their power to alleviate his suffer- 
ings, and cheer his passage over Jordan. Brother Samu- 
el Whidden was with him almost constantly. Bro. Hil- 
dreth, whom he had baptised, with his wife, in Yermont, 
many years before, w r as with him as much of the time as 
his son "Walter's sickness would allow. Other brothers 
and sisters were often in by his bed side, and his son 
Charles was with him during the last of his sickness ; and 



214: LIFE, LABORS, AND TEAVELS, 

when he could leave his father's bed, he filled some of the 
appointments made by the Elder before his illness. 

A few days before his death, by his request Dea. Carl- 
ton McEwen of Lawrenceville, his old friend was sent for 
and came speedily to his bed side. He was perfectly con- 
scions of the close of his earthly life. But he had no fear 
to tread the banks of Jordon. The religion that had borne 
him on amidst scoffs, and tumult, and toil, and life, for 
forty years, that had been his comfort and consolation in 
the silent grove, and his joy in the pulpit, now shone 
forth in his soul, in its power and majesty. Amidst the 
struggle of disease and death, he could reach out and take 
hold on the Infinite hand that had lifted him over many a 
billow in life, and although there were moments when the 
power of his disease overturned the throne of reason, the 
genius of Heaven, the power of religion, would right it 
up again, and thus alternately his disorder and religion 
would triumph over the poor body, and often he would ex- 
claim, " Glory to God, I am almost home. Bless the Lord 
my soul is happy !" He could realise the sentiment of the 
Poet: 

" What's this that steals upon my frame ? 

Is it death ? Is it death ? 
Which soon will quench this vital flame, 

Is it death? Is it death ? 
If this be death, I soon shall be 
From every pain and sorrow free, — 
I Shall the King of Glory see, 

All is well! All is well!" 

How true is the language of the poet in reference, to 

the situation of the dying saint in the last great struggle 

in life ! 

" Jesus can make a dying bed, 

Feel soft as downy pillows are. 
While on his breast I lean my head, 

And breathe my life out sweetly there." 



OF ELD. CHAELES BOWLES. 215 

On being asked if he had any fears of death, he replied 
with his characteristic earnestness : ISTo, glory to God, 
all is well. He lingered until the 16th of March, 1843, 
when the manly form that had stood on many a hard 
fought battle-field, both in carnal, and spiritual warfare — ■ 
that had faced so many dangers unharmed, and breasted 
so many storms in the Bedeemer's cause, gave way be- 
fore the last conqueror, and yielded itself to the cold sep- 
ulchral stillness of the tomb. And that spirit whose moral 
power had held in awe the excited and maddened mob — 
had won so many victories over the powers of darkness 
— had been instrumental in extending the cause of truth 
to thousands of impenitent hearts — and cheering on their 
way the faltering ranks of the great Immanuel's army — 
bid adieu to its earthly tenement, and conveyed by bright 
seraphic messengers, winged its flight to the courts above. 
There to enjoy an eternity of rest, at the right hand of 
God, and to participate in all the joyous results of his 
faithful labors in this life. There, where the cruel, and 
soul-crushing caste spirit against color, can never thrust 
its hideous form, for the very reason, that those who pro- 
fess it, have no inheritance in that place of equality. 

Such was the triumphant death of this old soldier of 
the cross, " Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch 
about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." " How 
cheering to stand in the chamber where the good man 
meets his fate," and witness the sublime triumph of the 
gospel in chasing away the gloom of the grave, and light- 
ing up the dark abode with the rays of hope and joy, and 
its power to bear the spirit safely over the Jordan of 
death, and land it upon the banks of fair Canaan. Infi- 
delity looks not thus into its grave of endless sleep, whose 
dark labyrinth sends back no cheering sound of a glorious 



216 LIFE. LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

resurrection, but one long, long eternity of dreary, lone- 
some, solitary non-existence, unbroken by the sweet an* 
gelic songs, that cheer and enrapture the christian in his 
passage through its caverns. !N o ! No ! Infidelity, we 
envy not thy death of endless oblivion. But rather let 
us be cheered by the presence of Him who passed the 
bounds of the tomb, and wrought out a royal high- way 
from its cold embrace up to the paradise of God. 

The funeral services were attended on the 18th, and al- 
though a violent snow storm was raging, a good number 
of people came together, to pay a last tribute of respect 
to his memory, ancl consign his mortal remains to its final 
resting place. The sermon was preached by Elder Will- 
iam "Warner, of ISTew Plampshire. At the next session of 
the St. Lawrence Quarterly Meeting, he was affectionate- 
ly remembered, and a short Biographical sketch of his 
life and labors was placed upon the records of the Quar- 
terly Meeting, and it was voted that a subscription be re- 
ceived to purchase a grave-stone to mark the spot of his 
rest. And thus the good and useful man, passed from 
earth to heaven, and hundreds could apply the language 
of the Poet : — 

" How blest the righteous when he dies. 

When sinks a weary soul to rest, 
How mildly beams the closing eye, 

How gently heaves the expiring breath." 

Of his family of several children, we cannot learn that 
but three survived him, viz : Charles, Deborah and Eu- 
nice. His son Charles, a Presbyterian minister, late of 
Pitcairn, St. Lawrence county, ~N. Y., died in the Fall of 
1850, at Pitcairn. Of the daughters, we have now no 
certain knowledge ; nor of his grand-children, excepting 
the son of Kev. Charles Bowles, now residing at Pitcairn- 



CHAPTER XIV. 

I doubt not that many of the friends of Elder Bowles 
remember with pleasing interest, many peculiar traits in 
his character. It has often been said of him that he en- 
joyed a perfect contentment with his lot. His color and 
identity with the African race, never gave him dissatis- 
faction with the order of an all-wise Providence. The 
principle of noble, generous manhood, was interwoven 
in every fibre of his existence, and human right was writ- 
ten on the whole volume of his human nature. And his 
noble nature and manhood, subdued and controlled by 
the spirit and power of Divine Christianity, he could easi- 
ly forget himself in national condition, or humble ances- 
try, and say in the language of the good apostle, " By the 
grace of God I am what I am." His sympathy was for 
the souls of men ; for their spiritual welfare irrespective 
of color, adopting the sentiment in the language of the 
Apostle Peter, " Of a truth I perceive that God is no re- 
specter of persons, but in every nation he that feareth him 
and worketh righteousness, is accept ed with him." And 
in view of this trait in his character, how true is the lan- 
guage of the Bible, " Godliness with contentment is great 
gain." This undoubtedly kept him in the enjoyment of 
perfect love in the fulness of gospel liberty. Kind read- 
er, may it be ours always to enjoy such patience and con- 
tentment in God. 

Friendship was a decided trait in the character of Elder 
Bowles ; aud while he loved his friends, he pitied his en- 



218 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

emies. If his religion led him to seek the repose of his 
bod j, and the comnmnion of soul, at the home of some 
dear christian friend ; and if while enjoying their kind 
hospitality, and kind attentions, and enjoying that inter- 
change of thought and sentiment in fellowship and love, 
it was not in him to turn with a hatred look from the abode 
of sorrow and suffering, though that home was the abode 
of his bitterest enemy on earth. He could reciprocate the 
friendship of those that loved him, and with a sincere 
wish for the happiness of every one, he did not confine 
his frieneship to loving friends only. Such conduct on 
his part, always gave him the mastery over the prejudices 
of the people, and the sincerity of the motives of his 
heart that prompted his friendship, could not be viewed 
by his bitterest enemies, without at once claiming their 
respect, and disarming them of all opposition to the gos- 
pel. Yet to turn the tide of enmity to friendship, it was 
not in him to compromise principle, or lower the standard 
of moral excellence of the Redeemer's cross. With him, 
no sect of christians had a preference in the enjoyment of 
his friendship, merely for name or party ; his christian 
spirit was perfectly Catholic, and his love of the religion 
of heaven so much a matter of conscience, the first, and 
only impulse of his heart in christian friendship, was to 
love them as christians, and not as sects. And thank 
God, this christian sentiment in friendship does not die 
with the body, it is of holy, infinite origin, and it will 
unite souls in infinite bliss in endless joy. !No doubt ma- 
ny dear christians on this earth in all the pains and afflic- 
tions, incident to mortal, life, anticipate the enjoyment of 
holy friendship, with Elder Bowles in Heaven. 

Sociability, was with him an amiable trait. And this 
always drew around him those who took pleasure in learn- 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 219 

ing the history of the past. Often the wakeful youth 
would trim the midnight lamp, and forget the weariness 

of the body in want of rest, in listening to him. And 
with aged, middle-aged and young, in the social or do- 
mestic circle, would feel entwining around it a holy influ- 
ence, as he would often intersperse his conversation with 
some deep-toned, soul-stirring expression of love' and 
praise to God, for his wonder-working power. In his 
visits in all the families, the youngest member of the 
family met his social greeting as cordially as the elder 
members. In fact, he was the man of the people, for the 
people's good. Qualified by friendship and social ties, 
and love for souls, to fulfil the great injunction of Christ 
to Peter, Feed my sheep, feed my lambs. 

Eccentricity of Habit was peculiar to himself. It was 
not a studied effort to be odd, for the sake of being odd.. 
He lacked in acquired literary ability. His logic and 
rhetoric, was the effect of the spontaneous out-gushing of his 
noble soul ; and it ever furnished him with a good store of 
ready wit, and a keen perception of everything calculated 
to give impression. At the time of the organization of 
the 2d Free Will Baptist church in Lawrence, he in com- 
pany with Elders Bundy, ISFe well and Colby, met a large 
congregation in brother E. !N"orris' barn. After sermon, 
arrangements were made to attend the ordinance of bap- 
tism. After several had come forward and related their 
christian experience, there was a pause, a holding back 
from duty by those whom the Elders knew ought to go for- 
ward. During the silence in the meeting, a cock flew up 
on a beam and crowed ; Elder Bowles exclaimed, now 
the cock has crowed, but do not like Peter deny your 
Lord and Master. The circumstance and the remark had 
the desired effect ; several came forward in the discharge 



220 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

of duty. His odd, eccentric wit, was shown on another 
occasion in Pierpont. After quite an interesting time in 
baptism by immersion, a pseudo Baptist minister preach- 
ed one Sabbath at the Howard school-house ; after sermon 
he gave out that on a certain time, he would preach a 
sermon to prove sprinkling right, instead of immersion, 
and wished the people each to bring their bibles. Elder 
Bowles had listend with attention, but chose not to get in- 
to disputation ; he exclaimed with his usual eccentric 
manner, the people might as well bring their almanac 
with them. It was said, this remark accomplished more 
in the minds of the people, than a long time spent in a 
theological discussion; it showed them that a prayerful 
investigation after the truth as they had been doing, 
would lead them farther into the light to know duty, than 
all the ministerial discussion that could be got up. A 
young brother in the ministry once said to him, father 
Bowles, what would become of me, if I should be as odd 
as you are ? You would go to hell. It was a short and 
prompt answer, but its true meaning was, the young- 
brother would have to affect, what was perfectly natural 
and spontaneous with Eider Bowles, and it would turn 
him off from the simple, genuine spirit of the gospel. 

His Theological Yiews were plain and simple, and his 
fiigures peculiar to himself; and if sometimes there was 
wit, there was no lack of solemnity, and if by it he gain- 
ed a victory over an opponent, there w as no glorying with 
him, merely for the honor of glorying. Like the good 
Apostle he could say, " God forbid that I should glory, 
save in the cross of Jesus Christ my Lord." Atone time 
while in Dickinson, a Methodist minister called on him 
to enjoy a christian conversation ; it turned on the sancti- 
fication of believers ; the minister contended that after 



OF ELD. CHARLES feOWLES. 221 

the sinner is pardoned and justified, a new work of con- 
viction in burden for depravity is begun in the soul, and 
carried on until it results in sanctification. To this, Elder 
Bowles objected, and being asked by the minister how 
long he supposed it was between justification and sancti- 
fication, the Elder replied : Bring me a good live maple 
coal, and I will put a spoon-full of good powder on it, and. 
if you can tell me how long it is between the touch and 
the flash, I will tell you how long it is betwen justification 
and sanctification. This given his idea of the subject that 
as justification is completed, sanctification begins, and 
thus the soul goes on to perfection. As his early chris- 
tian association was with the Baptists, he early imbibed 
some of their Calvanistie sentiments, which he ever after 
retained, notwithstanding he became identified with a de- 
nomination whose views were strictly Armenian. Still 
he never came into any unpleasant collision with his 
brethren, on any point of theological difference ; his ready 
wit and friendly manner, always in a christian spirit, kept 
him in good fellowship wnth them. 

Liberality was a trait in his character. As far as he 
had the temporal means, lie was always ready to aid the 
afflicted, and any needing help. It was said of him that 
if a brother, to his knowledge, was under embarassment, 
if it took his last dollar, it went freely to aid him. Not 
with the intention of usury, for many a dollar of his pen- 
sion went to relieve others without note or security. It 
seemed to be his aim and desire to live to do good to men 
both soul and body, without any selfish interest to control 
him in his action. But he was rich in faith, and an in- 
heritance of unfading glory. He could truly say with the 
poet : 



222 LIFE, LABOBS, AND TRAVELS, 

" Nothing on earth I call my own, 
A stranger, to the world unknown, 

I all their goods despise. 
I trample on their whole delight, 
And seek a city out of sight, 

A city in the skies. 

There is my home and portions fair, 
My treasure and my heart is there, 

And my abiding home. 
For me my elder brethren stay, 
And Angels beckon me away, 

And Jesus bids me come." 

His faith and confidence in God, was in true religious 
sentiment. He was bold and fearless, jet not in selfish 
obstinence. But when he would venture forward and 
seem to hazard everything of life and safety, it was in 
trustful obedience to God. At one time, when it was the 
intention of a mob to injure him, he was earnestly en- 
treated by a young man who was informed of all the 
movement not to go to his meeting at that place. But 
without any appearance of faltering, he said, " I shall 
certainly go and do my duty, and God will take care of 
me." He did go, and God did take care of him, and 
made that good man the instrument of the salvation of 
some of that mob, proving the truth of the Bible that " all 
things shall work together for good to them that love God.' 
He " feared not man who after they had killed the body, 
could do no more, but with filial love he " feared that God 
who after he had killed the body, could cast both soul and 
body into hell." Would to God that every gospel minis- 
ter possessed such a humble, trustful spirit. 

To conclude this memoir, dear reader, may we not hope 
that both the writer and reader may enjoy much of that 
spirit that gave our dear departed brother such a trium- 



OF ELD. CHARLES BOWLES. 22S 

phant passage through life. Doubtless some of the read- 
ers of this volume, have breathed a silent desire that they 
may die the happy death of Elder Bowles, that they might 
have the same confidence in God, the same assurance of a 
blessed immortality, and the same blessed views of Heav- 
en as an eternal home. But, dear reader, these blessings 
are not attained by simply wishing for them. It requires 
the action of the soul in studious obedience to God in the 
duties of religion. Balaam exclaimed "let me die the 
death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his," 
but for the want of right, active obedience, on his part, 
we have no assurance that his prayer was ever granted, 
or his desire ever attained. If we would be spiritual and 
enjoy constant communion with God, we must love to en- 
joy the works of nature. One writer has said with much 
truthfulness, "Nature is the best place to exereise the 
praying spirit. The silent grove, the velvet lawn bedeck- 
ed with flowers, the shaded brook, the mountain cleft, the 
works of God, are wonderfully calculated to impress his 
being and his attributes on the soul of man." If we as 
christians were as spiritually minded as we are capable 
of being, we might hold more direct and constant com- 
munion with God and good spirits, and they would be our 
spiritual conductors and companions in secret devotion. 
"What is it but walking with God as did Enoch, until God 
took him. What is it but talking with God, as did Abra- 
ham! What is it but wrestling with God, as did Jacob ! 
And what is it but walking in the footsteps of the great 
Redeemer up the summit of Olivet, and bending 'neath 
the sparkling canopy of Heaven, at Mercy's Altar ! Such 
a course of action now would afford the church the oppor- 
tunity of enjoying a living gospel ministry. 



224 LIFE, LABORS, AND TRAVELS, 

LINES 

To the Memory of Elder Charles Bowles, by Mrs. Wealthy W. Stanton, 
of Pierponl, Si. Lawrence Co.^N. Y. 

The memory of the just is blest, 

Though 'neath the dust his ashes lie. 
And memory faithful to her trust, 

Turns fondly back to days gone by. 

I never saw his aged form, 

Nor heard his messages of love, 
Though dark his brow, his soul was white. 

As those who dwell in light above. 

Yet I have seen his lowly cot, 

Although it now in ruin lies, 
And many as they pass that spot, 

Will gaze on it with tearful eyes. 

It is not in some lovely vale, 

'Tis not with moss or ivy crowned, 
But where the good man lives or dies, 

Methinks it must be hallowed ground. 

Beauties of nature as of art, 

Can never make a mortal blest, 
He had a palace in his heart, 

And Jesus was its only guest. 

That day will never be forgot, 

When to the pulpit he was led, 
And stood a monument of grace, 

Between the living and the dead. 

How often did the tear-drops start, 

Unbidden from his sightless eyes, 
To think that many a wretched soul, 

Would slight the Savior's love and die. 

And when that mournful hymn he said, 

Tears rilled full many a gazing eye, 
To think that tall and reverend head, 

So soon beneath the turf must lie. 



OF ELD. CHAELES BOWLES. 225 

Farewell, my friends, farewell, he said, 

My toils on earth are almost o'er, 
Full well I know like Paul of old, 

That we shall meet on earth no more. 

Oft from the beautiful Chatn plain, 

To the St. Lawrence' rolling tide, 
Those lovely wilds I've traveled o'er, 

And preached the Savior crucified. 

But I shall tread those wilds no more, 

Bright Angels whisper this to me ; 
My sightless eyes shall soon unclose, 

And I my Savior's "beauties see. 

Now he has laid his armor by, 

And gained his long-sought happy rest, 
His spirit stands before the throne, 

And sings among the happy blest. 

And many a sinner saved by grace, 

The offspring of his faithful prayer, 
Shall glitter in his spotless crown, 

Which then shall deck his forehead there. 

LINES 

On the death of Elder Charles Bowles, by Smith Crary, of Pierpont, 

Neiv York. 

Come all my friends both far and near, 

Who loved the man who sought your souls, 

Come drop the sympathizing tear, 
And weep with me for father Bowles. 

For days and weeks and months and years, 

He plead with sinners to repent, 
While every prayer was wet with tears, 

And every sermon as he went, 

From town to town, from State to State, 

He still kept up the constant cry, 
Repent, repent ere 'tis too late, 

Prepare my friend?, prepare to die. 

H 



LIFE, LABOES, AND TEAVELS, 

He preached with power, and always plain, 
That made the cold professors quake, 

He never preached for filthy gain, 
But for the dying sinner's sake. 

His sight alas, at length grew dim, 
His voice grew husky to, and dry, 

He had a son, he sent for him, 
To come and see his father die. 

The aged Patriarch called his son, 
And took his Charley by the hand, 

Your father's race is almost run, 
And he is near the spirit land. 

But Charles when father is no more, 
When in the grave his ashes lie, 

Tell others that they may adore, — 
That father wan't afraid to die. 

Bright Angels are from glory come, 
And hover round my dying bed, 

To take me to my blessed home, 
As soon as ever 1 am dead. 

Thus died this holy man of God, 
Thus calm he sunk into his rest, 

And though he lies beneath the clod, 
No doubt he sings among the blest. 

A faith like his, gold cannot buy, 
Nor all the wealth beneath the poles, 

If in such triumph you would die, 
Then you must live like father Bowles. 



ESSAY 

On the Character and Condition of the African Race* 

BY ELD. J. W. LEWIS. 

CHAPTER I. 

The sentiment uttered by the great Apostle Pan], in 
his admirable addess to the Athenians, contained in Acts 
17th ; 26th, " That God hath made of one blood all na- 
tions of men to dwell on all the earth," is worthy the man 
and the christian. And a corresponding sentiment in the 
American Declaration of Independence, ''That all men 
are created free and equal, and are endowed by their Cre- 
ator with certain inalienable rights, among which are life, 
liberty, and the pursuits of happiness,*' is worthy the 
patriot and the statesman. But the most absurd idea of 
the present age, in the minds of many of the human race, 
is in the sentiment, that the standard to judge of a man's 
ability, and mental capacity to enjoy, and appreciate these 
blessings supported by self-evident truth, depends on his 
color or nationality ; that one man has a right to throw 
aside his obligation to universal brotherhood, and pro- 
scribe a human being on account of his color, a cause over 
which he has no control. 

It is insisted by American prejudice, that natural in- 
stinct in the human character leads one man to hate anoth- 



228 AN ESSAY ON THE 

er of a different color, as a matter of physical necessity ; 
that the intention of God in the creating and diversifying 
the human race was to have set up between them a bar- 
rier, guarded by absolute hate, and supported by absolute 
will. This sentiment is incorporated into the theological 
creed of the American church, into the political system 
of American democracy, and into the civil jurisprudence 
of American law, and the social and domestic organiza- 
tion of American society ; manifesting a spirit that well 
might shame the whole range of European Despotism, 
and aiming to drive the colored man from within the pale 
of human society. This spirit combines the priest and 
politician, with all the corruptness of political and eccle- 
siastical action of this American nation, in an attempt to 
unman the African race and doom them to a miserable .; 
degradation. Thank God, the privilege of man to enjoy 
"life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," is based on 
quite a different foundation, involving the great . princi- 
ples of infinite right, and demanding finite acquiescence 
to Divine benevolence. 

If the wisdom of God has diversified the human race 
in complexion, habit, both national and local, his justice 
holds man responsible only for his moral conduct in tjie 
formation of his moral character, and on nothing more in 
his own existence has he control; and there cannot be 
any conceivaU< right under any circumstance in life, for 
one to prevent another from improving his moral, mental, 
or physical condition by the exercise of the faculties- 
which, God his Maker has. given him. The existence of 
right is coeval with the Divine government, and right is 
right, God's no more, man's no less. God's right cannot 
abridge man's right, much less, man destroy his fellow- 
man's. In the support and administration of the univer- 



AFRICAN RACE. 22^ 

saLgovernment, God has power to create and destroy ; his 
power is unquestionable. But Infinite justice and Divine 
mercy stand between his power and my right, and he has 
no power to destroy my right and the privilege of my 
manhood, on account of my color, a cause in my exist- 
ence for which he,. and.. not myself, is wholly responsible. 
Government grows out of the wants and necessi- 
ties of our natures, not by arbitrary appointment, but as 
a matter of necessity, i God proclaimed from Mount Si- 
nai, in all the majesty .and glory of his- great name, the 
principles embodying the great organic code of his moral 
government, and. which should be the corner stone of all 
human governments, whether a '.Theocracy, a Monarchy, 
or: a Republic, and Christ re-proclaimed the same without 
taking away -any of its obligation on man's part, or les- 
sening the claims of the Divine government. In Mat- 
thew; 7th:. 12th,' Christ says,- " Therefore all things that 
ye would that, men do -to you, -.do- ye also to them, for this 
is the Law and the Prophets." 
. My natural rights is a gift < of my Maker, growing out 
of my nature, and my relation to him. I have a right to 
read, write, work, an that way and department of labor 
that I like best, and use ^the avails ■ of my labor in that 
way which is most satisfactory to my own mind ; and go 
where I please. But in doing all this,- 1 have no right to 
infringe. on my neighbor's rights or withhold amenability 
to ?the Divine. government. If then my fellow-men author- 
izing government to exercise arbitrary will over me it 
is ■ a usurped and wicked . dominion that is no law, 
not being founded in justice, and impartial justice de- 
mands, the trampling such enactments under foot, as being 
opposed to God and humanity. For no power on earth, 
acting under any legal authority, can trample down my 



230 AN ESSAY ON THE 

right, without stepping over the boundaries of God's do- 
minion. But the attempt to identify the Throne of God 
with the throne of iniquity, is one prominent feature of 
American depravity. And the attempt of civil govern- 
ment under a pretended sanction of the Divine authority, 
to legalize a system of wrong, to make it right, for the 
convenience of others in arbitrary will, tends to weaken 
the grand structure of Christianity. 

Infinite benevolence has always characterized all the 
efforts of God to benefit the human race, and could I be- 
lieve that God, after creating me with faculties as a man r 
and a heart to feel, and a soul to be benefitted by that 
religion whose author was sung in the rapture of the heav- 
enly host, saying u . Glory to God in the highest, on earth 
peace and good will to men ;" and then stamp me with a 
colored skin as a black man, and by an act of arbitrary 
power despise his own work, and create in a white man, a 
principle in spirit to hate, abuse and injure me, to gratify 
his pride, and wicked ambition, it would destroy in my 
mind at once, all love and reverence to that God as a good 
being'. I should be persuaded to believe, that the chris- 
tian religion had become greatly corrupted by supreme 
selfishness and tradition, contrary to the spirit of God ; 
or that God is an unjust, unmerciful, and inconsistent be- 
ing ; or that all things in the universe exist without a 
God, and are controlled by its own power, independent of 
Infinite will, and that the God and Devil of this world 
are combined in one, in the wicked, cruel disposition of 
men in their control of the governments of the -world. — 
This I feel, and say as a colored man, and as a represent- 
ative of the African race, and in defiance of a corrupt 
public opinions. I say it on the truth of eternal right. 
Human nature is human nature, the world over, in the 



AFRICAN RACE. 231 

"black man as well as the white. And in hnman nature 
are the elements to form human character, in moral ex- 
cellence, by the power and exercise of the intellectual 
and moral faculties in all the different races of men — the 
opinion of American despotism and American prejudice 
based on negro-hate, to the contrary notwithstanding. 

Now all the base villiany that has attempted to snap 
the chain of human brotherhood, and involve the human 
family in hatred, is without the sanction of the God of 
Heaven. Like good Abraham, in true and fraternal fel- 
lowship with his Maker, we can say, " Shall not the Judge 
of all the earth do right.- 5 Our religious sentiments teach 
our minds the great idea of right in the Infinite ; hence 
whether we are thrown out of society, like the good John 
in banishment on the Isle of Patnios, or the multitude of 
Hindoos around the temple of Juggernaut, or the Indian 
in the western wild, bending to the Great Spirit, or the 
Native African, bowing to the serpent, or the many tribes 
of the earth in the darkness and superstition of heathen 
mythology, bowing to their uncouth idols, the divinity of 
the moral government of God, reaches the conscience, 
and dictates the sentiment of right, however much per- 
verted human nature and the influence of sinful habits 
may lead them away from the true God. 

Truth and justice are intuitive perceptions in the hu- 
man soul, and even where there is no system of civil gov- 
ernment, conscience often enforces these observances. 
But in coming into the "United States, in the nineteenth 
century, a nation professing to acknowledge the Divine 
government, and talking of right in Congress, in the Leg- 
islature, Southern rights, and Northern rights, rights of 
Capitalist, of the Mechanic, the Manufacturer, and the 
Agriculturist, yes every body's rights are talked about, 



232 AN ESSAY ON THE 

but nobody's rights are understood properly. A sort of 
judicial blindness obscures the moral perceptions of the 
great mass of the people of this nation, because of the 
supreme selfishness that leads man to infringe on his 
neighbor's rights, to promote his own purposes ; many of 
the people tread the holy courts of the Lord, and hear 
read and suns; the following lines : — 

" Blessed Redeemer how Divine, 
How righteous is this rule of thine, 
Never to deal with others worse, 
Than we would have them deal with us. 

This golden lesson short and plain, 
Gives not the mind or memory pain, 
And every conscience must approve. 
This universal law of love. 

'Tis written in each mortal breast. 
Where all our tenderest wishes rest/' 

^Nothing can be more beautifully sublime than the lan- 
guage and sentiment of this poetical exhibition of the 
golden rule of the Redeemer of the world. And happy 
would it be for the American nation if it were something 
more. thr. re rhetorical flourish, or a splendid theo- 

ry. This sentiment practically maintained, would abolish 
war ; it would gh >3 to intemperance, and it 

would' raze the citadel of despotism to the ground. It 
w T ould proclaim this country the asylum, where lore, the 
tenderest plant in Eden's garden, would fill every soul 
with a fragrance that would give joy to all the inhabitants 
of Zion. Honestly then every cue should say, " One is 
our Master, even Christ, and all we are brethren. Enjoy- 
ing one great plan of redemption, justification, and sanc- 
tification, through the spirit of the living God ; and 
supporting the noble Apostolic declaration, " ^Neither 



AFRICAN RACE. 233 

Jew, nor Greek, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free, but 
all one in Christ Jesus." These sentiments are the cardi- 
nal virtues and excellences of bible Christianity, designed 
to support the mighty structure of christian benevolence, 
and fraternity between man and man, of all the human 
race. 

CHAPTER II. 

Physical Condition of the African Race, as compared with the other 
Races of the Human Family. 

It is extremely humiliating to American pride and ar- 
rogance, to be obliged to acknowledge the African race 
as a part of the human family, and in equality, in physi- 
cal, intellectual and moral goodness, to be obliged by the 
obligation of universal brotherhood, to sustain fraternity 
witn them as sentient beings. Many are in almost open 
rebellion with the Divine government of God. And the 
monopolizing proscription, a legitimate fruit of American 
despotism, will condemn tke sentiment let it come from 
what source it may, if it dare advocate the equality of the 
human race, in the right to the enjoyment of life, liberty, 
and the pursuit of happiness. The honorable position of 
■the Hon. ¥m. .H. Seward, of New York, is. the Senate 
of the United States Congress, did not screen him from 
the aspersion of the enemies of freedom, when he dared 
utter the noble sentiment in that body, that " There is a 
Law above the Constitution of this Nation. It was con- 
demned not only by the dominant political power of the 
nation, in its base subvserviency to Southern slavery. The 
popular, current religion, and the popular current litera- 
ture of the whole country, aid in condemning Mr. Sew- 
ard's sentiment, as dangerous to the interest of the nation, 
for their pulpit and presses, with unblushing effrontery to 
the Divine government, have raised the cry of treason, in 



234: AN ESSAY ON THE 

concert with the voice of political demagogueism in the 
country. The Rev. D. D. Whedon, an esteemed Metho- 
dist minister, and a popular Professor in the Michigan 
University, has recently been made to feel the inquisato- 
rial power of the popular, current religion, literature and 
politics of the country, by an expulsion from his place and 
standing with the Faculty of that College, for daring to 
preach the sentiments of the higher law from the pulpit. 
It is insisted that there must Jiave been more than one 
Head or Representative of the human races ; that the 
800,000,000 or 900,000,000 human Deings on this globe, 
and speaking some 1,200 languages, and also diversified 
in color, from the blackest African to the whitest Europe- 
an, could not have obtained an existence from one Paren- 
tal source. But all reasoning on this point is mere 
speculation, for whatever was the Parentage of the human 
race originally, the Deluge left Eoah at the head of the 
human family, from whom the earth is now peopled. So 
that the oft-repeated declaration that the African race de- 
scended from Cain, is absurd. It is said " the unnatural, 
and wicked conduct of Cain towards his brother Abel, 
brought down on him the displeasure of his God, and that 
he was marked by a black skin." But this is begging the 
question, and stating points without authority ; for there 
is no proof that the original complexion of our first Pa- 
rents was any nearer the European, than the African race, 
and if the mark on Cain was the color of the body, it is 
just as likdly to be a white as a black one. 

And if an ugly, unnatural disposition is the result of 
that curse, is not the European on a level with the Afri- 
can ? Has not jealousy, hatred and revenge, marked the 
conduct of the one as well as the other ? Has not the 
pathway of human life of all nations been darkened' \>y 



AFRICAN RACE. 235 

deeds of crime ? Has not the soil of Europe, Asia and 
America, been stained by the blood of murdered brothers, 
as well as Africa ? Has not human nature alike been 
vitiated by the original transgression of A clam ? And, 
does not the Apostolic declaration of Peter before the 
household of Cornelius the Centurion, apply to man with- 
out regard to color, " Of a truth, I perceive that God is 
no respecter of persons, but in every nation, he that fear- 
eth him, and worketh i ighteousness is accepted with him." 
And as in the bible declaration, man is made but a little 
lower than the Angels, in his condition as man, whatever 
be his color, his manhood bears him up in noble dignity 
above all the other animal creation, and viewed in his 
mechanical construction he is a mystery to himself. The 
frame of bones skillfully put together, to be willed into 
motion, is a master-piece of Infinite wisdom ; this frame 
covered with muscles, forming a part of his existence, 
is supplied by a beautiful chemical process in him- 
jself, in operating the aliment carried into the stomach as 
the great and well skilled laboratory within him ; then 
the arrangement of the nerves throughout the whole sys- 
tem, as a sort of telegraphic communication to the soul ; 
the blood vessels to convey the vital stream which con- 
tains animal life to all parts of the system ; the heart, the 
.great reservoir with its hydraulic principle to keep in per- 
petual motion the pulsation ; all fitly and wisely arranged, 
and this whole system covered with a skin to guard it. 
~Now in viewing this wonderful material construction of 
the human body, where is there any difference but simply 
in the covering of the body, an effect that classes and 
^distinguishes the human race nationally ; but which cannot 
add or detract from the perfection of their physical con- 
struction. This covering consists of three parts, viz : 1st, 



236 AN ESSAY ON THE 

" The cuticle or scarf-skin ; 2d, the reto mucorsum, and 3d ? 
the cutis. The 2d lies between the 1st and 3d, and con- 
tains the color ;" so that it is not in the flesh, blood, bones, 
or the muscles, of which the human body is composed. 
Here is a phenomena, truly a philosophical wonder in the 
human existence. We see the effect, but the cause lies 
beyond the scope of finite minds. A great Infinite and 
Eternal God, has wisely arranged all this, and an attack 
on color or any peculiar diversity in national existence, is 
an attack on his Infinite prerogative, and the assault must 
in the end recoil on themselves, and will fix a guilt on 
their characters which must be answered to at the Judg- 
ment. 

As the coloring is in the covering of the body, it can- 
not effect those laws peculiar to human beings, for the 
great principles of physical law, supported by Anatomy, 
Physiology, and Phrenology, are alike in all human be- 
ings, in natural or original character, irrespective of color* 
jBut national or.local habits affecting the treatment of the 
body in its physical condition, will have a controlling in- 
fluence in the developement of the physical man. This, 
united with the geographical locations, subjecting the 
body to different atmospheric temperatures, gives differ- 
ent character and appearance to the human system. Not 
that I would be understood as saying, in my opinion, that 
this is the whole and sole cause of the difference in com- 
plexion of the human race, without Infinite design for 
purposes fitly adapted to human convenience. But it is 
often argued farther, that " the African is wholly inferior 
to the European, as his color subjects him to a hot climate,, 
where a natural imbecility incapacitates him to rank with 
intelligent beings." If this idea be carried to that extent, 
that the nature and condition of the colored man, com- 



AFRICAN RACE, 237 

pels him to a hot climate simply on account of color, I 

•declare it false. I know by experience as a colored man, 
my physical habits haying been formed in a cold and 

Northern climate, the ability to endure depends on an 
acclimated life,' and if the physical habits of a white and 
colored man be formed alike in early life, in a tropical 
climate, they will be equally affected in a frigid climate, 
and so vice versa. 

Another point is important to be well understood. All 
human bodies are subject alike to the same disease, and 
the color of the body does not require any variation in 
medical treatment, that is, in the same locality. I know 
that the principle of medical science is differently under- 
stood by different nations, in different stages of mental 
improvement, and diseases assume different character ac- 
cording to the different climates and modes of living, on 
all races alike, where the early habits are formed alike. 
In the American or European cities, where the population 
is made up of people of different nations, and forming 
quite a heterogeneous mass, in refined improvement, the 
manner of living becomes more complex, and consequent- 
ly diseases become more complex in the human system, 
and a' complex medical treatment is necessary. - In the 
rural districts of the American ' or European civilized or 
enlightened countries, or in the rude and barbarous states 
of society in all parts of the world, a more simple or nat- 
ural mode of living, gives to disease a more simple charac- 
ter. Hence where man is alike circumstanced irrespective 
of color, there are the same physical characteristics, and in 
whatever state or condition of society they live, all have 
a, system of medical science, and nature teaches all to go 
to earth's great laboratory either in the mineral or vege- 
table department, and find remedies for all diseases of the 



.238 AN ESSAY ON THE 

body. And all the advantage the American or European 
has over the African or Indian, is, that civilization, and 
art, combined with native genius, has enabled them to 
systematize the theory and methodize the practice, in a 
more tangible manner ; and yet they are not always more 
successful in their treatment. 

Now I suppose some will still object to the idea of equal- 
ity of the races, on the ground that, " they are not equal 
in strength, in intelligence, and in talent." To convey 
the idea that the peasant is equal with the prince, the 
slave with the ri \ plantei", or the weak and imbecile gov- 
ernments of some of the African, Asiatic, or European 
nations with the more powerful nations of the earth, in 
moral or physical ability naturally, is absurd in the mind 
of modern despotism, because aristocracy cannot live 
without distinction ? "Well let us examine this point a 
moment, and see If it cannot be shown by history, that 
individuals in different nations, at different periods of the 
world's history, In poverty, obscurity and apparently in- 
ferior talent, and looked down upon with scorn and indif- 
ference, by their more powerful neighbors, have not by 
dint of native talent and self-exertion risen to honor and 
distinction. And I ask, are the Europeans above others 
in this 1 I answer, No ! What gave Eussia the power 
over the rude Circassian, to hold them as a part of that 
Empire in such base servility ? It was art and civiliza- 
tion, giving the proud Kussian intelligence over the Cir- 
cassian, and nothing in the argument of superior natural 
ability ; for when the Circassian in his turn became intel- 
ligent, he dared throw off Kussian rule and assert his 
rights as a man. "What gave England power over the 
poor China-man, to band their iron wills to British rule ? 
It was the intelligence of England. So it is in the entire 



AFKICAN KACE. 239 

history of the human race, so that the superiority of one 
class over an inferior one, is only the result of improved 
opportunity in becoming intelligent, in the progress of 
civilization. 

But again, the inferiority of the African raee, is urged. 
on the plea that they being the descendants of Ham, 
subjects them to the curse pronounced by Noah on 
Canaan. This is used in justification of American slavery. 
I know that Africa is denominated the land of Ham, and 
the colored man wherever he is met, is called the son of 
Ham. But to attach a stigma to that, and degrade him 
in slavery for that piece of history in the transaction in 
the domestic concerns of Noah, is absurd, and shows a 
want of knowledge of the peopleing of the earth. That 
a curse was pronounced by Noah, is not to be denied ;.. 
and that Ham was the sub-representative from Noah of 
the African nation is true. But it must be borne in mind, 
that the curse fell only on one branch of Ham's family 
by declaration, viz : Canaan, his youngest son. For he 
had four sons, viz : Cush, Misraim, Phut, and Canaan. 
After the flood, Noah built a vineyard, and by a singular 
mishap, became drunk by the wine of it. Ham one of 
his sons discovered his plight, and in an indiscreet man- 
ner, made it a subject of ridicule to his brothers, Shem 
and Japheth. They by turning their backs on their fath- 
er's shame, covered him. The history of it is found in 
the 9th chapter of Genesis, from the 18th to the 29th 
verse. In the 25th verse it is said, " Cursed be Canaan 
a servant of servants shall he be to his brethren." In the 
27th verse it is said, " God shall enlarge Japheth, and he 
shall dwell in the tents of Shem, and Canaan shall be his 
servant." Now why the curse of Noah should rest on. 
Ham's youngest son Canaan, is involved in mystery, and 



240 AN ESSAY ON THE 

cannot be accounted for, except on the supposition that 
Canaan possessed more than the other sens, the disposi- 
tion of his father — was more than the rest the idol of his 
father, and that a declaration against him would be a 
keener affliction to Ham, than if it had been against him- 
self. 

The displeasure of Noah with Ham, and the curse pro- 
nounced on Canaan, did not disinherit either. For in the 
division of the earth, between Noah's family, Shem had 
the East and South of Asia, Ham had Syria, Arabia and 
Africa, Japheth had the North and "West of Asia and 
Europe. Canaan had eleven sons ; he settled them in 
Asia, in that part called Canaan, after his own name. 
From them sprang the Jebusites, the Hiveits, the Girga- 
sites, the Amorites, &c, &c. When God called Abraham 
out of Chaldea, and showed him all this land, he promis- 
ed it to him and his seed to possess it. Now Abraham. 
was a descendant of Shem, and ninth in generation from 
him. After many eventful periods connected with the 
history of Abraham's posterity, God brought them out of 
Egyptian bondage, by a mighty and strong arm, and gave 
them the possession literally of the land of Canaan. The 
Canaanites were mostly destroyed, or brought into bond- 
age by them, in fulfilment of Noah's declaration, and 
God's covenant with Abraham. But some of the descend- 
ants of Canaan, were not in servile bondage to the Jews, 
but merely tributary to them, and some enjoyed great 
friendship from the Jews, as did the inhabitants of Tyre 
and Sidoa. Sidon was built by Sidon, eldest son of Ca- 
naan, and Tyre was built subsequent to it, by Sidon's 
descendants. Here Hiram, King of Tyre, reigned cotem- 
poraneously with King David, and Solomon, Jewish 
monarchs. Hiram aided much by men and materials, in 



AFRICAN RACE. 24:1 

"building the Temple at Jerusalem. The Phoenicians 
sprang from the Canaan branch of Noah's family, and 
connected with the Tyrean government, and the royal di- 
adem was in Hiram's family until the Phoenicians with 
the whole Tyrean government was swallowed up in the 
Chaldean or Babylonian empire. And many of the Ca- 
naanites under the declaration of Noah, in bondage to 
the Jews, were by the proselyte system of that nation, 
merged into the system of Jewish theocracy, and became 
eminent in that nation. 

. The Carthagenians were also descendants of the Ca- 
naan branch of Ham's family. For during the sovereign- 
ty of Pygmalion, seventh in reign from Hiram, over the 
Tyrean government, Sichaeus, possessing great riches and 
power, awakened the jealousy of his brother-in-law, king 
Pygmalion, who by an artful manoeuvre, in one of their 
sports in the chase, contrived to have Sichseus pierced 
through with a dart. After his death, Dido his widow, sis- 
ter to the king Pygmalion, fearing the immense wealth 
she inherited from her husband might involve her in dif- 
ficulty with her brother, managed to get her treasury 
conveyed away from the Tyrean government, and with a 
colony passed over into the North part of Africa, and laid 
the foundation of the mighty empire of Carthage, a na- 
tion that flourished in splendor until it became merged 
into the Roman empire. 

This was the first and only colony of Canaan's descend- 
ants that ever settled in Africa. And the history of some 
of the mightiest nations on earth, as descendants of Ham, 
proves that Divine Providence did not at any time recog- 
nize distinction between the Ham, Shem, or Japheth 
branches of Noah's family. As cotemporaries in civil and 
ecclesiastical fame, there were some of great renown. 



242 AN ESSAY ON THE 

Each contributed an equal share of physical and intellec- 
tual strength, in laying the foundation of human great- 
ness. Nimrod, grandson of Ham, laid the foundation, 
and built the city of Babylon, 2229 years before Christ. 
Coeval with it, the city of JSTinevah, the capital of ancient 
Assyria, was built by Asher, son of Shem, and 2d cousin 
to Nimrod, in 120 years after the Babylonian and Assyr- 
ian nations were united into one government, by ISTinus. 
And after his death, Semiramis his wife, succeeded him 
in the government, and ruled the nation with great abili- 
ty. 2188 B. C, Menas eldest son of Misraim, and grand- 
son of Ham, and cousin of Nimrod, laid the foundation 
of Egypt, and raised up a powerful government. 

The settlement of Ethiopia was by the Cush branch of 
Ham's family. Their first settlement was on the Persian 
Gulf. They then spread over India and a part of Arabia, 
particularly that part laying on the coast of the Bed Sea. 
As they increased as a nation, some of them passed into 
Egypt, and became somewhat identified with the descend- 
ants of Misraim ; and finally they settled the country 
south of Egypt, called Ethiopia, as well as Nubia, and 
Abyssinia. They became so scattered they were denom- 
inated Oriental or Asiatic Ethiopians, and African Ethio- 
pians. They retained a national resemblance, only the 
former had straight and long hair, while of the latter on 
going from an Asiatic to an African hot climate, the hair 
became curly. Xerxes the great Persian monarch, in fit- 
ting out his great Grecian expedition, had some of both 
in his army. They were all called Ethiopians, although 
there was this continental distinction. The Ethiopians 
had a Monarchy, and in the 8th chapter of Acts, refer- 
ence is made to one of the Queens of that country. The 
Abyssinians were near akin to the Ethiopians, and those 



AFRICAN KACE. 243 

countries contiguous. The Abyssinians embraced the 
christian religion about the year 300, when Frxraientius 
was raised to a high office in this country by the Queen 
of Ethiopia. He was ordained Bishop of that country 
by Athanasias, Patriarch of Alexandria. Their religious 
creed was, that Christ possessed only one Mature, a Di- 
vine, and that the Human was absorbed in it. In the 
triumph of the Saracens, the church of Abyssinia was lost 
sight of until nearly the close of the fifteenth century ; 
John II, King of Portugal, accidentally got some knowl- 
edge of their ancient history, and opened a correspond- 
ence with them in behalf of the Catholic faith. Great 
pains were taken, to bring them under the temporal and 
spiritual rule of the Pope of Bonie, but to no avail. The 
faint glimmering of their primitive faith is seen in the 
nation, through a correspondence between the late King 
Itsa Takley Gorges, and the British Consul in Egypt. 
The way has been opened and a portion of the Holy 
Scriptures has been printed in the Ethiopian language? 
by the British and Foreign Bible Society. 

Now the proud Anglo-Saxon may turn away in scorn 
from the descendants of Cush ; they may curl the lip in 
bitter contempt at the sable brow of the Ethiopian or 
Abyssinian, but thank God, they cannot annihilate from 
memory a history of the past ; and if Shem and Japheth 
have got to the summit of civilization, and literary fame, 
Ham is at their heels. If we go back to ancient history, 
we shall find Euclid in the family of Ham, and one of 
the most celebrated Mathematicians ; at Alexandria, he 
founded one of the most celebrated Mathematical schools 
in the world. His writings on Music and Geometry, with 
his fifteen books on Mathematics are greatly celebrated 
both in ancient and modern history. Euclid, in the Amer- 



244 AN ESSAY ON THE 

ican or European colleges, is in high repute, and some of 
his works have gone through numerous editions. 

The foundation of Greece, so celebrated in literary fame, 
was laid by the descendants of Shem ; but the Cush and 
Misraim branches of the Ham family helped elevate it 
in national prosperity. Sicyon, the first settlement, was 
made by Egialtes. Other settlements of colonies enabled 
them in a few years to establish a nation, with a dynasty 
which lasted about 300 years ; but the nation did not 
flourish. Danaus, an Egyptian, overthrew the first, and 
established a second dynasty. Cecropes, also an Egyp- 
tian, laid the foundation and built the city of Athens, and 
Cadmus a Phoenician, built Thebes, and introduced into 
Greece an Alphabet of sixteen letters ; afterward eight 
more were added, making twenty-four ; it was about 1519 
B. C. Greece could soon boast of a Homer, a Hesiod ? 
Herodotus, and Lyeurgus, of the Spartan branch of the 
nation. Greece was indebted to descendants of Ham for 
helping the Shem and Japheth posterity to make her 
what she was in all the glory of literature, and the de- 
scendants of Ham are not now in a modern age, without 
representatives to prove distinguished ability in literature 7 
science, and civil government. Among some of the dis- 
tinguished divines and writers, descendants of the Ham 
branch of Koah's family, is Augustine, Bishop of Hippo 
in Africa. As a scholar and christian he was eminent. 

Tertullian and Cypriau, were natives of Carthage in 
Africa, and Origen a native of Alexandria, were all three 
celebrated scholars and divines in the christian church. 
These, with a host of others of the Ham descent, give to 
the world ample proof that with the descendants of Shem 
and Japheth, they did much to elevate the inhabitants of 
the world in civil and ecclesiastical government, and ex- 



AFRICAN RACE. 245 

panel the human intellect in strength by the power of 
literature and science. But I have not the space in this 
Essay to go into the history of Ham's race with such 
fullness and accuracy as could be desired, in their distant 
history of the past ; but enough is said to show the proud 
Anglo Saxon race of the human family, that all of Ham's 
blood has not run in the veins of the lowest rank of Af- 
rican life, and that it did run in mutual relationship be- 
tween Ethiopian, Egyptian, Phoenician, Babylonian, 
Philistian, Colchian, and Sidonian, or with the most pop- 
ular nations of Shem and Japheth. I have denied the 
curse of Cain or Canaan, as resting on the African, as the 
cause of their color or degredation. I have also spoken of 
several nations and individuals, as going out of one fam- 
ly, to show the probability that geographical location and 
difference of climate, must have had the effect to cause 
the diversity of the human appearance, as to color and 
features, for even on the African continent there is a great 
difference. The jet black Madagascar presents quite a 
contrast with the white African Albino race. The Moors, 
the Egyptian, the Hottentot, the Ethiopian of the interior 3 
the Arab, all have peculiar national characteristics, both 
in complexion and physical appearance, and the laws of 
hereditary descent has wonderfully maintained those na- 
tional characteristics peculiar to those nations, in every 
country where they have been scattered. 

In physical endurance and enjoyment, they have shown 
themselves not inferior to the European race. The color- 
ed man has stood beside the white man in toil and hard- 
ship, in mid-summer heat, and mid-winter cold, by sea 
and land, and with him braved the most imminent dan- 
ger, and his arm has moved the implements of mechani- 
cal, agricultural and commercial labor, both to endure and 



246 AN ESSAY OX THE 

enjoy in equal capacity with the European. They have 
been borne down and stigmatized for the last three or 
four centuries, by a cruel prescriptive spirit, that has in- 
stilled into the mind of the present generation, the idea 
that they are the worst part of the human iamily ; and it 
would be a wonder if some of the African race should 
not fall into the idea that they must be as a matter of ne- 
cessity below the rest of the human family. But this is 
a fact worthy of consideration, that this country as well as 
Europe, are indebted to the African race for endurance in 
physical strength in the cultivation of the soil, and the 
enriching the nation. And it will be a marvel if at the 
Judgment of God, in the revealing the 26th chapter and 
21st verse of Isaiah, the blood of the poor African does 
not appear to the guilt of the American nation. Yes ! 
the poor Indian and African, has had to endure much 
suffering and bloodshed ; enough to sink this nation in 
infamy, and it is a question in the mind of many, why 
an Infinite God can allow such a violation of human 
rights, and so much physical suffering, and so much 
blood-stained soil. I find a great consolation in this selec- 
tion of the holy bible in 2d Peter 3d: 5th. But while 
they endure so much in toil, no people on earth enjoy 
more or are capable of enjoying more physically. The 
proof of this is seen in their extra exertions in being free 
from tyranny, and in the exercise of their bodies as free 
men. 

The declaration of some that the African is willing to 
be in slavery, is false ; it is contrary to his human nature. 
And it is proved false, by oft-repeated cases of abscond- 
ing from slavery to British soil, to enjoy physical and 
mental freedom. Such a declaration is one of the mean 
.subterfuges to which the tyrant and his abettors are driv- 



AFRICAN BACE. 247 

en, when pressed by Infinite justice and truth on the great 
question of right between man and man. God created 
every man with all the elements and spirit of freedom 
interwoven in every fibre of his existence ; with human 
rights written on|the whole volume of his human nature. 
The body is only to bear about his manhood. If by the 
operation of slavery, one being of the human family 
whatever be his color, becomes so far reduced in igno- 
rance and forgetful of his obligation to himself, and his 
God, as to be willing to be a slave, and consent to inferi- 
ority, so much the more the guilt of the nation that up- 
holds it. But remove all the evil effects of slavery, as 
well as slavery itself— strike down its black flag, and un- 
furl the banner of freedom in the name of humanity — let 
the pure generous spirit of christian philanthropy pre- 
vail, and there is not an African in the nation but would 
feel far happier in the enjoyment of freedom, than in 
slavery. And I hazard nothing, in saying that this day, 
the three millions of slaves in bondage now in this na- 
tion, in their embittered condition, rendered inferior not 
by the .laws of nature, but by the physical force of arbi- 
trary power, are kept so without their choice, by the 
combined civil, political and military power of the nation. 
While the unscrupulous, time-serving, popular American 
Christianity, keeps public opinion continually against 
them. This corrupt public opinion every colored man of 
us has to feel and endure in almost every turn of life. 

CHAPTER III. 

The Moral Character and Condition of the African Race. 

Mankind, irrespective of National character, or color,. 
are constitutionally moral, and naturally religious. — 
I agree with Fowler, that "piety of some kind, and 



%8 



AN ESSAY ON THE 



religion in some form, have ever constituted one of the 
leading motives, and one of the all-engrossing pursuits, of 
mankind." There is no condition of savage or barbarous 
state of human life, but what history or tradition carries 
the mind back to the antediluvian age of the world, where 
an acquaintance with God was more familiar than at the 
present age. The conceited Chinese, the degraded Ethio- 
pian, the benighted Hindoo, the wild and noble Son of 
the Forest, all have entered into the texture of their minds 
the ideas of an infinite God ; and the moral faculties are 
located above all the animal propensities, so that the most 
degraded savage is not without conscientiousness and 
veneration, which lead him to love and admire diviner 
objects in the universe of God. They see a God in the 
sun, moon, or stars, in the tire, or water, or the polished 
or uncouth objects of human invention. All excite and 
interest the human mind. Although so many are involved 
in Heathen Mythology and Pagan Darkness, in the gross- 
est ignorance, I doubt if there be a nation or tribe on all 
the continent of Africa, from the most degraded Hotentot 
to the more civilized and improved Egyptian, or the half- 
civilized Moor, but have some intentional motives of right, 
under the guide of the moral faculties. The fires on the 
altars of Carthage, Abyssinia, and Ethiopia, kindled by 
Ciprian, Augustine, Origen, Dyonisius, and others, still 
flicker, and through tradition reflect some faint rays to 
the minds of the sable inhabitants, under the control of 
nature's laws. Now the question is, does the operation of 
transportation, in all the horrors of the middle passage, 
and the degrading effect of absolute despotism in a land 
foreign from their native home, prove a blessing or a curse 
to Africa ? The question is easily answered It is a curse. 
For what Paganism begun in the dark age. of barbarism 



AFRICAN RACE. 240 

in Africa, American civilization completes. That is the 
destruction of human dignity, the unmanning man of his 
manhood ; for the tenure by which the African is held in 
this nation, is, that slaves are not to be ranked with rational 
or sentient beings, but are to be " deemed sold, taken, and 
reputed to be chattels personal in the hands of their owners 
and possessors, their executors, administrators and assigns, 
to all intents, constructions and purposes whatsoever." I 
doubt if any portion of Sheni or Japheth's posterity, in 
the same position as the African descendant of Ham, 
would stand higher in an enlightened world. Bar every 
door to mental and physical improvement, to the English- 
man or American, set in motion the whole machinery of 
despotism on them, turn the scoff and obloquy of the 
whole civilized world against them, and thus embitter 
their condition for four centuries, by turning against them 
the entire military, political and civil power of the world, 
and the degraded condition of their ancestors, the ancient 
Gauls, would be far above them. ", They would be as. low 
as the most degraded African in this country. And yet, 
even now, amidst all the power of despotism, with all 
its legitimate evils, manhood is not destroyed in the African 
race. In domestic and social life, there is as much virtue, 
according to their numbers, as among the whites, either 
North or South. 

But in domestic habits of refined life, there is as pure 
and mutual affection, whether parental, conjugal or affi- 
anced, in the pledge of love from sex to sex, as among any 
class of the whites. It is often that the enraged feelings 
of a colored man in slavery have clung with desperation 
to the miserable hut where was the wife of his mutual 
love, and the children, the pledges of then love. And 
the tears coursing; down his cheek was a sure indication 



250 AN ESSAY ON THE 

that there struggled in the man a noble sentiment of 
moral worth. And when the nnbridled passion and liber- 
tine spirit of the slave tyrant, wielding the power of 
irresponsible despotism over his poor victim, attempted 
to outrage the innocent female slave, her affianced aifection 
to a kindred spirit in slavery enabled her to resolutely 
resist the master, and subject herself to the cruel lash. 
True, they are not all so, neither are the whites. Human 
nature is human nature, the world over, in all nations, 
whatever be the color. And when that human nature 
has become corrupted by immorality, by the predominance 
of the animal propensities, it becomes vicious and un- 
happy. 

In social life, the African has shown himself mutual 
and sincere, in friendship. He has gone beyond what 
many Europeans would do, by consenting to " suffer wrong 
rather than do wrong ;" and often in the wretchedness of 
slavery has the poor African drawn upon the affection of 
the younger portion of the slaveholding community by 
his warm affection in social and domestic life. Let 
mankind of all colors and conditions into the native element 
of their existence, open every avenue of the human soul 
for a spontaneous outgushing of pure, generous nature, 
and native instinct leads the mind into the enjoyment of 
the law of reciprocity, and has done much to prove the 
identity of human existence. But let those laws be tram- 
pled down by arbitrary power, to make way for caste, in 
the element of popular communities, let sociability be 
theorised and refined and man taken out of his native 
element, and the exercise of his faculties under the con- 
trol of wealth, honor or supreme selfishness, and he has no 
right to complain of God or the colored man, if there is a 
wide expanse between the races, for it is the work of art 



AFRICAN RACE. 251 

and not of nature, and it is as uncongenial to human 
nature as it is contrary to the justice of the Divine Law. 
And it is Dot a hard matter to show that it degrades the 
upholder of the system as well as the being it attempts 
to stigmatize. 

The sentiment of hospitality is a noble characteristic in 
the African everywhere, at home and abroad. Moral 
sentiment lifts him above selfishness. But in his own 
native wild, notwithstanding the curse the white man has 
carried to the very threshhold of his cabin door by the 
slave trade, the African heart has been open to kindness. 
The celebrated English traveler, Mungo Park, has given 
some touching accounts, as also the Rev. George Thomp- 
son, Missionary to Africa, by the American Missionary 
Society. In an exploring expedition to the interior, to 
urge the principles of christian peace, instead of that cold, 
misanthropic spirit that a distinguished African would 
meet at the most of the cities and villages of America, the 
hearts of Kings, Chiefs, and People, were open in generous 
hospitality, to comfort and rest him in the toil of his jour- 
ney. Forgetful of the wrongs of the past, inflicted on 
their country by the white man, they met him as a friend 
though a stranger among them. In Africa, or Europe, 
or America, at the West Indies, anywhere and every- 
where, no people have been more generous and hospitable 
to friend or foe, in sickness or health, in prosperity or 
adversity. I am speaking of their natural character, the 
natural moral sentiment. I do not say that all ( Africans 
are correct on this point. Neither can I or any man say 
that all Americans, or all Europeans, are right on it. It 
is far from being the case. But I beg of proud Americans 
when they speak of the African on this point, to speak of 
him truly. 



252 AN ESSAY ON THE 

In urbanity and manly deportment in reciprocating the 
common courtesies of life, colored men and women have 
shown themselves not inferior. I know that the pro- 
slavery spirit of the age reports the colored race as Iqwj 
vulgar, and discourteous. That pro-slavery spirit meets 
the colored man, woman and child, at every turn in life. 
The bitter sneer, the coarse, vulgar laugh, is aimed to 
lower him in the estimation of society, and rank him in 
inferiority in the world; but the men who cherish such a 
spirit exhibit in their characters their moral degradation, 
and no decent, respectable, colored man or woman should 
notice it, any more than they would the whining snarl of 
a barking cur, ever ready to belch out his. canine spite 
at every passer by. If I could speak to the ear of every 
colored man, woman and child, I would urge them never 
to forget self-respect, but adopt the noble sentiment to 
i 'suffer wrong rather than do wrong." And I assure all 
friendly readers of this humble work, that the improved 
and intelligent portion of the colored people, in apprecia- 
ting the spirit and labor of the anti-slavery enterprise, 
feel willing to contribute all they can of moral worth and 
manly deportment to help disenthrall an injured race. 
It is no doubt the fact that the character of the colored 
people has a great influence in the progress of the anti- 
slavery cause in this country. Every indecorous act on 
their part is used as a weapon by the pro-slavery spirit of 
the age against the cause of freedom, in trying to show 
that the colored people are not fit for freedom. But it 
must be admitted that not a larger amount of immorality 
and discourtesy exist, according to the amount of popula- 
tion, than among the whites, as the calendar of crime will 
show in the different States, North and South. Popular 
prejudice will exaggerate the bad conduct of a colored 



AFRICAN RACE. 253 

man, while at the same time it closes all eyes to the claims; 
of the colored man in moral worth. But from such a 
green-eyed monster as that, that draws its life from slavery 
the vilest of all systems of iniquity, a system that is com- 
posed of every ingredient of wrong, the colored man has 
nothing to hope. It is towards him uncivil and despotic, 
in whatever latitude he lives in this nation. 

A sense of honor is manifest in the natural character of 
the African race. It is often said that the slaves are a 
thieving set of beings, and that the colored man in general, 
North or South, set free from the restraint of slavery, with 
its kindred associations, would be a pest to society. Popu- 
lar prejudice creates in the mind of the American people 
many bug-bear stories of theft, burglary and outrage com- 
mitted on persons and property. It is not an uncommon 
thing to hear statements of this kind made in many parts 
of the North. Now in candor we ask, what is the reason 
of all this? "Why do the people entertain this idea? Is 
it because there has been found some colored men and 
women dishonest ? If the suspicion is based on this, then 
we say the white people are to be suspected on the same 
ground. We do not say that the colored people are any 
more honest than the whites as a body. Neither can we 
admit that they are any less honest. Human nature in 
them is under the same debased, depraved state, under 
sinful influences. But when in them, as has often been 
the case, the moral faculties have predominated over the 
animal or lower propensities of the body, there^has stood 
up the noble specimen of manhood, honorable in intention 
and action, in the discharge of the duties of life. One of 
the most beautiful exhibitions of honor, associated with 
national patriotism, is the conduct of Tousaint Laoverture, 
the African chieftain, and Washington of Hayti. When 



254 AX ESSAY OX THE 

the hopes of that nation rested on him in the most critical 
moment, when France, her mighty antagonist, could hope 
in nothing in a fair contest, while Tousaint stood in the 
front rank of freedom, she attempted by stratagem to bribe 
him into dishonor to his country, France knew him as 
intrepid and brave. She knew him as a statesman, but 
she knew him not as a man of moral worth. His two sons 
had been placed by him under a tutor in France, to be 
liberally educated. They were now within the power of 
the cunning Napoleon. They were sent to him under a 
truce, holding him bound by an obligation to return them 
if he would not betray his countrymen to the insolent 
demand of the planters, under the French government. 
His position and conduct would do honor to the patriot of 
any country or age. Though those sons were now within 
his power, and in his bosom struggled'the father's love as 
he pressed them to his fond embrace, he would not break 
ids pledge to return them, nor yield one point of his own 
countrymen's interest to the slave power. Tousainfs case 
is not an isolated one. 

There are colored men, as farmers and mechanics, in 
many communities, in many of the now slave-holding 
States, where an honorable treatment is manifested towards 
them. Men in those communities, laying aside the unholy 
prejudice against color, will admit this fact of honor and 
moral worth in such colored men ; and often, with all their 
prejudice, they have been compelled, as a matter of fact, 
to -admit it. I do not suppose that all colored people, 
placed in like outward circumstances, would manifest the 
same moral deportment. Neither do I believe that all 
white men, placed in the outward circumstances of Wash- 
ington, or a Burritt, or Brainard, or a Page, or a Whitfield, 
would be like them in honor, patriotism, or moral worth. 



AFRICAN RACE. 255 

Men will be vicious or virtuous, as it happens, white or 
black, according as the moral faculties or animal propen- 
sities predominate, to determine the moral character. Still 
custom and habit, under the control of public sentiment, 
have much to do in controlling those faculties and propen- 
sities. In Canada, under the English government, where 
the colored man is assured a right sentiment is towards 
him, and he is encouraged to enjoy his manhood where 
humanity bids him welcome and extends to him the hand 
of friendship, in his transformation from a chattel to a 
man, his moral faculties have raised him at once to an 
honorable position in society. 

In 1850, Father Henson, a colored man in Canada, went 
to England on a mission in behalf of the Canada colored 
population. He himself had once been a slave. He bore 
honorable testimonials, and among documents sent by 
him was one from the Sheriff of the District, showing 
that in a population of 5,000 colored people, in 15 years 
not a crime had been committed by any of them requiring 
an arrest. jSTow this cannot be said of the same number 
of the white population in any part of this great American 
Republic . The colored people of Canada, although most 
of them are fugitives from American slavery, long exposed 
to its corruption, have been enabled by their native powers 
of mind to lay hold on sufficient moral worth to maintain 
good faith with the Canadian government in mutual friend- 
ship. 

Industry, economy, and frugality, are important traits 
in the human character, and so far as the colored people 
have been able to act in any department of business in 
life, they have shown a commendable ability to carry out 
these important traits. I am aware that there is a lament- 
able degree of prodigality in some of the cities and large 



256 AN ESSAY ON THE 

towns in the United States, in such cases, but a little or 
no thrift in temporal welfare. I am also aware that popular 
prejudice exhibits to the world such cases as the general 
character of the colored race ; but it is unjust, unfair, and 
the effect of meanness on the part of their enemies. But 
notwithstanding the spirit of negro hate, some have proved 
themselves worthy of respect, and worthy of praise, for 
their indominable energy in surmounting difficulties and 
rising in earthly comfort, by industry and economy. In 
the city of New Bedford, Mass., quite a number of colored 
people have become wealthy. Richard Johnson, a colored 
man, rose from poverty to a state of affluence. As a man 
of piety and industry, he gained the esteem of business 
men in that city. His example was followed by other 
colored citizens, and his and their influence is felt in that 
community. In the city of Philadelphia, where exists 
the most rabid negro hate, more so than in any other city 
of this nation, the colored people, by industry, economy, 
and good discipline, manage to enjoy a comfortable living. 
In one year, by an official report, we learn that the tax on 
their real and personal estate supported all the colored 
poor in the city and left a surplus to -help support the white 
poor. In mercantile and mechanical operations, the col- 
ored people in that city have done well. Several are 
excellent artisans, and if they were Anglo-Saxons, with 
the same ability, would be honorably elevated in society. 
They have gone on without capital, and no favor from the 
country. And yet, by industry and rigid economy, they 
enjoy many facilities for turning their talent to good effect. 
I doubt whether any class of whites in the same situation 
could have done better, and made a better living. But 
the city of New Bedford, or Philadelphia, does not mon- 
opolize all the talent and moral worth of the African race. 



AFRICAN RACE . 257 

Let the reader visit some of the colored farmers in the 
Tallies of the Penobscot, Kennebec, or Androscoggin, in 
Maine, or some in Jefferson, Oneida, and other counties 
in ISTew York. In truth, in many of the rural districts,* in 
many parts of the non-slaveholding States, facts would 
silence the tongue of slander, asserting that the colored 
race is low, lazy, indolent, improvident, and debased as a 
whole. 

The spirit of gratitude is a commendable trait in the 
African character. In no race of men is it more exhibited. 
The memory of a friend and some friendly act of kindness, 
is often indelibly stamped on the heart and is borne down' 
to the grave. It is often said by the opposer of African 
freedom, that to set the slaves free would be to involve 
the nation in utter ruin, because they would seek revenge 
on their now cruel masters. The history of the acts of 
Birney, Thorne, Brisbane, the Grimkies, and others, can 
easily refute this argument. There is not a portion of the 
slave or free colored population in the United States, but 
if, could they enjoy an act of kindness in emancipation 
and enfranchisement from slavery, and all its consequent 
evils, they would quickly forget and forgive the injury 
and injustice of the past, and hold their benefactors in the 
warmest affection. Divest men of popular prejudice, 
warm their hearts by the spirit of christian philanthropy, 
and they will not for one moment doubt it. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Intellectual Character. 

It is often asserted by the pro-slavery spirit of the 
country, that the colored man has no natural intellect, and 
that he is not capable of appreciating the blessings of 
freedom, and only acts out in literature and morality, 

I 



258 AN ESSAY ON THE 

what he learns from the white man. Such a sentiment 
expressed is a mere burlesque on human nature, especial- 
ly as 'the advocates of this sentiment maintain and sup- 
port the system of popular education for their own rising 
generation, in Colleges, and Academical Institutions, and 
Free School instruction. Webster whose giant mind has 
grasped the principles of constitutional law and conduct- 
ed the diplomacy of nations, once sat at the feet of a 
primary teacher, and from an Alphabetical to a Collegiate 
education, gained within the venerable walls of old Dart- 
mouth, he learnt what others knew before him. And so 
it has been with the greatest Statesmen and Divines in 
this or any other nation. All have predecessors and 
precedents, whether in law, medicine, or theology. To 
find a man white or black, that can know everything or 
anything, in science or literature, without having learned 
from some one in advance of him, would be a marvel in- 
deed. "No one has ever passed from the cradle to the 
grave, independent. Then to talk of superiority or infe- 
riority must be on some other idea than color, or nation- 
ality, seeing that some of every nation, of all colors, have 
risen to great distinction, while some of each have sunk 
to the greatest depth of degradation and ignorance. 

The African race is capacitated in common with the 
other races for great and noble actions, connected with 
the destiny of human life. Now an action in human life 
is not to be judged of by its nobleness and greatness, in 
some great physical daring, but the inherent virtue of 
the act, giving it its intrinsic value. But whether as the 
world calls great, or great in moral excellence, the repre- 
sentatives of the African race have stood, and do now 
stand, side by side with the European race, in mental and 
.moral capacity and in intellectual cultivation ; under self 



AFRICAN RACE. 250 

government, they have done equally as well as any other 
race of men. Lewis Wells, a black man, and a slave in 
Maryland, was taught the letters of the English Alphabet 
by moon-light, by his old master's son. He managed to 
economize his time, and besides meeting the exorbitant 
demands of his master on his services, he gained enough., 
that through the medium of a friend he got books; es- 
caping the vigilant eye of slavery. He alone, as his own 
master and student, made astonishing proficiency, and at 
the age of thirty-eight he bought his freedom, and came 
forth before the world an eminent ehemist and surgeon, 
and became distinguished for his talents and received & 
diploma as an M. D. James McEwen Smith, M. D., of 
New York city, a colored man, was rejected at every Col- 
lege door in this country ; he went to Europe and was 
admitted into one of the first Colleges there, and grad- 
uated with honor ; went to France and was treated with 
distinguished respect, as a scholar and a gentleman, as 
well as in England. Yet on his return to this country, 
pro-slavery hate proscribes him. Still he lias borne him- 
self up like a man. Dr. David Ruggles is also a black 
man; yet a man of talent, at the head of a Hydropathic 
institution in one of the New England States. He has 
proved himself equal with many white men of his profes- 
sion. In the New York Central College in Cortland Co., 
Professors Season and Allen, are both colored men, and 
under the administration of the Kev. President Grosve- 
nor, they have sustained themselves with ability. 

G. E. Yashan, Esq., of Syracuse, N. Y., and Robert 
Morris, of Boston, Mass., have honorably sustained them- 
selves in the judiciary department of the country, as 
lawyers, and they are both colored men. Samuel E. 
Ward and Frederick Douglas, are both colored men, and 



260 AN ESSAY ON THE 

yet they are not a whit behind many of the popular and 
talented editors of the day. The first as editor of the 
"Impartial Citizen," published in Boston, Mass., the oth- 
er editor of the " North Star," (the paper has a large 
subscript: >n list, and now bears the name of Frederick 
Douglas' Paper,) published at Rochester N. Y. They 
have been slaves, and Douglas' freedom is only dated 
back to a few years, and yet he is a writer of merit, and 
as a speaker, it was once remarked by an American Ste- 
nographist of merit, " that Lord Elgin, Governor General 
of Canada, and Frederick Douglas, were the only two 
public speakers that he ever listened to, that he could 
report verbatim and give it to the public without correc- 
tion." Any member of the American Congress, would 
consider this a great compliment. Charles B. Eay, Sam- 
uel. E. Cornish, Stephen Myres, and others, have sat at 
the editorial desk, and although they are all colored men, 
they have done much to show that Africans are men of 
intellect. Rev. James W. C. Penington, D. D., is a col- 
ored man, a full blooded African. He is Pastor of the 
Shiloh Presbyterian church in the city of New York, and 
was Doctorated in Divinity by the University of Heilden- 
burg in Germany. He was a slave and his freedom was 
purchased in 1850. His predecessor in the Pastorate of 
the Shiloh Church, the late Rev. Theodore S. Wright, a 
black man, was a distinguished Theological scholar. Rev. 
Peter William, Rector of St. Philip's Church (Episcopa- 
lian) of New York city, the Rev. Isaiah De Grasse, Alex- 
ander Cromwell, Charles W. Gardner, Amos G. Beeman, 
and a host of others, that space will not permit me to 
record, are among the proscribed African race in the United 
States— are men of literary ability. In the West India 
Islands, some of the most talented journalists and states- 



AFRICAN EACE. 261 

men are colored men, and one of the distinguished mem- 
bers of the late French Assembly, representing a large con- 
stituency in one of the Colonies, was a colored man, and 
he filled his seat with dignity and honor to himself and the 
nation. 

Let us turn for a moment to the Haytian nation, and 
behold Tousaint Laoverture, one of the most remarkable 
men of his age. Born a slave, and reared on the planta- 
tion of one of the aristocracy of the colony, he was gifted 
by nature with a mighty intellect, and a studious mind* 
At an early age he was learned to read by a young friend, 
without the knowledge of the slave power. He went on 
alone, fathoming the rich mines of science and literature, 
until his mind was elevated in all the grandeur of man- 
hood. Solitary and alone, he sounded the principle of 
Civil Government. He learned the true merits of patriot- 
ism, and calculated on what it would cost to break the 
yoke of oppression and free his race. He studied the 
rules and tactics of military campaigns, and with an 
intuitive mind he unravelled the most intricate questions 
that lay in his pathway. When the hour arrived, it found 
Tousaint Laoverture ready for the crisis. He flung off 
the plantation slave, and stood up a man. The eye of all 
Europe was looking on him. The oppressed and disfran- 
chised rallied around his standard. But though in power, 
he was generous. Though he had long been robbed of his 
rights as a man, he forgot himself once a poor plantation 
slave, and planned the retreat of histoid master and his 
family, before he struck the first blow for freedom, lest 
the pillars of the Bastile of Despotism should crush them 
in its fall. He stood over them as a friend and a brother. 
But although generous and magnanimous in domestic and 
social life, both to friend and foe, he was inflexible and 



262 AN ESSAY ON THE 

uncompromising in his opposition to the unjust govern- 
ment under which his race had so long groaned. He 
had started for its overthrow. His noble soul had long 
been in communion with the spirit of freedom. He had 
walked in her temple by the silent moonlight. He had 
examined her most abstruse recesses. And when he drew 
the sword for freedom, the minions of slavery trembled. 
France feared the result. By the consummate skill and 
bravery of Tousaint, he drove the French government, 
with Napoleon at its head, to see no alternative but to 
abolish slavery in Hayti or lose the country. France 
proclaimed liberty to all, and as the best policy she could 
adopt, appointed Tousaint governor-general and comman- 
der-in-chief of the Colonial Government, and for twelve 
years his administration did much topromotethe interest 
of the country. His dispatches to Napoleon and the 
Home Government were manly, patriotic and statesman- 
like. In his Cabinet his ability was equal to his task. 
At the head of the Haytian army, his indominable energy 
inspired his men with so much patriotism that they never 
feared to meet danger. And truly said an English author- 
ess, Tousaint Laoverture was the master spirit of the age. 
But Napoleon's brow, now glittering with the imperial 
diadem of France, determined on making everything bow 
to his iron will. The monarchies of old Europe trembled 
at his tread. Sings and courtiers bent suppliantly before 
him, and even the proud Pontiff of Eome, with his 
hierarchy, left the Vatican to do him homage. All but 
the liberty-loving Tousaint and his compatriots yielded to 
the wishes of the haughty Emperor. They could not do 
it any farther than he regarded their rights. They were 
determined if the planted came back to the island to live, 
they must all live together as freemen, or the blacks would 
die in the struggle. 



AFRICAN RACE. 263 

General Leclerc was appointed to succeed Tousaint in 
the government. He came to Hayti with an array of 
power that would have startled any ordinary man, and 
he came determined to obey the Home Government, to 
gratify the wishes of the planters, and reinstate slavery 
— the greatest act of folly ever undertaken by Napoleon, 
for after twelve years enjoyment of liberty, in all civil 
and domestic rights, France might as well have pent up 
the lightning of heaven as to confine the spirit of liberty 
in the bosoms of those black men, from acting in defence 
of their lives, in defending their rights at all hazards. 
Tousaint exclaimed, on seeing the fleet of France bearing 
Leclerc and his force to the Haytian shore, " All France 
has come to Hayti." He retired peaceably from the gov- 
ernment, and stood on the defensive, and it was only by 
treachery and the violation of the national honor of France 
that they got Tousaint into their power. Yet his country- 
men had imbibed too much of his noble spirit to be con- 
quered into slavery. Any man viewing the situation of 
Hayti in a right light, without prejudice because they are 
black men, must admit that Tousaint's patriotism and 
mighty efforts equalled Washington's, and some of his 
deeds are more brilliant, because he had to operate under 
greater disadvantages to free his nation. And had Tousaint 
Laoverture been of the same complexional stamp of Gen. 
Winfield Scott, his deeds of military valor, under such 
disadvantages, would have placed him before Gen. Scott 
in the applause of Americans, but yet, although a black 
man, his name and the memory of his great deeds live 
embalmed in the hearts of many impartial philanthropists 
in all parts of the civilized world. The Haytian govern- 
jnent, 1st as a Kingdom under Christoph, 2d a Kepublic 
under Boyer, and now 3dly, an Empire under Soloque, 



264: AN ESSAY OX THE 

he bearing the title of Fostin I., Emperor of Haytu 
though the people of that 'government have appeared 
unstable in their civil and political form, it is false in the 
assertion that it is the result of then- African character. 
Other nations have fluctuated in their government policy 
as well as the Haytians. If England has not, it is not 
for the want of a Cromwell and his faithful coadjutors. 
France has changed from one monarchy to another until 
it is now a Republic* Rome, the eternal city, has been 
changed in its policy, and almost every civil government 
on earth, whether the descendants of Shem and Japheth, 
or Sam, have been shaken by military and political 
excitement, until some of them have become settled 
in sufficient justice to promote the common welfare of 
mankind partially. 

The African race have not been wanting in representa- 
tives to adorn the honorable professions of life, and yet 
the American prejudice, a legitimate fruit of slavery, has 
stood at the door of Academical and Collegiate Halls, 
and at the gateway of all the business departments of 
the country, and levelled its anathemas at the colored 
man whenever he has dared to approach them for the 
purpose of benefitting himself or his children. And 
many a noble-souled colored man has sunk into wretched 
obscurity and unhappiness, and much valuable talent been 
buried and lost to himself and the world, and the Divine 
Government robbed of an amount of influence that 
should aid it in the accomplishment of human happiness. 



* Since this Essay was written, another revolution has taken place in 
France, under the management and perfidy of Louis Napoleon. It is 
now difficult to determine whether to call it a Republic or Monarchy. 






AFRICAN RACE. 265 

CHAPTER V. 

It was said by wicked Cain to his Maker, " Am I my 
"brother's keeper ?" How solemn and awful was the voice 
of an infinite God to him in reply. " The voice of thy 
brother's blood crieth to me from the ground." And now 
in the solemn controversy between justice and oppression, 
who of all the American people dare say before the God 
of Heaven, in reference to the poor African, " Am I my 
brother's keeper ?" The blood of the poor Indian and 
African in the American soil, is an awful witness against 
the American church and the American nation. The deeds 
of dark crime and outrage against humanity have black- 
ened their national escutcheon and tarnished their religious 
character. For if slavery is a creature of law, popular 
public opinion sustains that law, and the popular religious 
influence controls public opinion. For on philosophical 
principles, we cannot expect water to rise above its level 
at the fountain head. Neither can we expect the princi- 
ple of morality to rise above the church. And thank God 
it cannot rise above the true church of God ; but under the 
monopolizing ecclesiastical rule of the American church, 
many of the leading sects of religionists make the religion 
of the membership mere nominal, so that the popular 
current religion of some of the leading denominations 
goes directly to sanction and sustain American oppression, 
with all its consequent evils. And in many instances the 
men of the world take the lead in that reform that tends 
to alleviate the sufferings of mankind, and elevate them 
to their proper sphere in human life. And if a humble 
few of the disciples of the Holy Jesus dare obey the 
dictates of conscience and the spirit of God, with his Holy 
Word to take gospel ground for the reform of the world, 



266 AN ESSAY ON THE 

and the enfranchisement of the human race, they are 
charged in their doctrine with Infidelity. True it may be 
infidelity against the sectarianism and monopoly of the 
denominational rule and against despotism. But to charge 
it as infidelity against the cause of God, is often proved 
false. Although the inquisitorial spirit and action of the 
American church in proscribing many of its members for 
conscientiously condemning and opposing the evil system 
of American slavery, and condemn the aiding in degra- 
ding the African race for a cause over which they have 
no control, does most certainly identify that church with 
the power of despotism, and involves it in the guilt of 
oppression, it is folly for her ministry or membership to 
cry out, " Am I my brother's keeper ?" They cannot say 
in truth that they are free from guilt on this subject, in 
the face of the fact that they have hoodwinked truth, and 
made expediency turn the scale of justice to gratify the 
caprice of the unholy oppressor. 

For the truth of this I appeal in candor to a candid 
community, to view the action of the American Board of 
Commissioners for Foreign Missions, in all its operations 
from first to last, and I ask where has been seen the first 
act of that body of any appearance of christian philan- 
thropy, to relieve poor bleeding humanity, in the condi- 
tion of the African race ? And does not the popular 
current religion of the Presbyterian church, tolerate the 
negro pew, and the most wicked intolerance towards the 
colored man or woman that enters their temples of wor- 
ship ? Does not the leading influence of the Presbyterian 
church in America, help support the most abominable 
cast, while its current religion puts in motion the machin- 
ery of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign 
Missions, as well as the Presbyterian Board of Foreign 






AFRICAN EACE. 267 

Missions, taking the price of the souls and bodies of men 
to pay for the means to convert the heathen world ? Thus 
stepping over and trampling down the noble sentiment of 
Apostolic religion, that u God is no respecter of persons." 
What then can we expect from wicked political men, on 
the ground of humanity, under the teaching of such re- 
ligion ? And is the leading American Baptist, or Meth- 
odist, or Episcopalian religion, in their educational, or 
missionary, or national ecclesiastical operations, a whit 
better, in its favor of bleeding, suffering humanity, in the 
condition of the colored man ? 

When Doctors of Divinity of many of the leading sects, 
with cool, unblushing misanthropy, employ their pens to 
argue the divine right of the American people to sustain 
a system of robbery, concubinage, bigamy, adultery and 
.every violation of the moral decalogue, against the Afri- 
can race, and wicked men constantly echoing the voice of 
the pulpit in sounding out thsse sentiments to stigmatize 
and proscribe the colored man, is it a wonder that his 
condition is no better ? And is it not a marvel that so 
.many have risen so high in improvement and moral worth ? 
But as a colored man, I rejoice in God, that all the relig- 
ion of the country is not under the rule of despotism, 
and all the christian hearts of the country are not bowed 
at the shrine of corrupt sectarianism. The angel of mer- 
cy can often bear the spirit of christian sympathy to the 
humble cot of the poor colored man, and a faint glimmer 
of light from the star of freedom sometimes breaks the 
gloom over our pathway of life, and the blessed word 
hope, often lingers in our ears as a source of consolation 
in God. And if on account of our color, our character 
will not entitle us to a better condition among our fellow- 
men on earth, we will try to maintain a sufficiently religious 



268 AN ESSAY ON THE 

and moral character, to entitle us to an inheritance with 
the people of God, in that blessed kingdom, in immortal 
light, " Where the wicked cease from troubling, and the 
weary are forever at rest." Thank God, there is one heav- 
enly equality, for " Neither Jew nor Greek, Barbarian, 
Scythean, Bond nor Free, but all one in Christ Jesus." I 
thank my God, that in this the poor colored man can en- 
joy a glimmer of hope, amidst the toils and the trials of 
human life. 

Dear reader, it is my devout prayer, that you may all 
enjoy that immortal life. If your sympathies have been 
pent up from us ; if you have either politically, socially, 
religiously, or domestically, thrown your influence against 
us, by helping to sustain the system of American slavery, 
may God forgive you, for with all my heart I pity your 
condition at that Judgment to which we are all approach- 
ing. For be you assured, that Infinite Justice will not be 
bribed, or turned away from the principles of right, for 
any purpose whatever. And be you assured that God 
overlooks not the deeds of the wrong-doer, for he takes 
cognizance of all human acts in this life, not to be forgot- 
ten at the Judgment. 



AN ESSAY 

On the Fugitive Law of the P. S, Congress of 185©* 

/ 

BY EEV. ARTHUR DEARIM1. 



Obedience to the Fugitive Law, is treason to Civil Gov- 
ernment. What is the design of this law ? It designs to 
arrest, no matter by what means, the panting fugitive from 
Southern bondage, and in a forcible manner, drag him 
back to chains and unrequited toil. And it. further de- 
signs to compel, by pains and penalties, every Northern 
citizen, to lend his aid in accomplishing this object. Our 
object in the discussion of this subject, will not be to dis- 
cuss the constitutional character of this law, but to show 
that it is a flagrant violation of every principle of just 
civil government, as well as divine government. And if 
this be shown to be the character of this law all christians, 
at least, are absolved from its allegiance. 

Our first object then will be to ascertain the foundation 
of, and whence arises oar obligations to civil government. 
Civil government in its requirements, is not an arbitrary 
institution. It does not depend for its authority upon the 
will of the legislator, nor its position upon the statute 
book. The legislator may pass upon it his most solemn 
vote, and the judiciary may give to it the sanction of law ; 
but since neither can impart to it obligation, neither can 
give to it any validity, no more than the village lyceum. 



270 AN ESSAY ON THE 

Eor if legislators and judges are the sole executors of 
law, our duties and obligations are placed at the mercy 
of a fickle, changing multitude, upon whom all officials 
depend for their elevation in society. Obligations arise 
to-day, and fall to-morrow, like the dew before the rising 
sun, ever varying their chameleon form as fast as the 
multitude changes, that elevates one set of political aspi- 
Tants, and displaces another. If the arbitrary enactments 
of legislators, be law, and we under obligation to obey 
them, then crime may be virtuous, and virtue criminal ; 
even murder to-day may meet the approbation of the mul- 
titude, and to-morrow be forbidden under pain and pen- 
alties. This, as will be seen, strikes a death-blow at all 
just government, and makes it the mere arbitrary will of 
unstable popular opinion instead of the voice of obligation ; 
as all just government is, and ever must be. In vain may 
the political stock-jobbers of the " lower law " spin out their 
yarns of cotton logic, to enforce obedience to not only ar- 
bitrary, but unjust legislative enactments, crying "vox 
jpopuU est vox Dei" And in vain may they call us " trai- 
tors," all those who refuse to bow down before the god of 
Southern trade. And the same may be affirmed of every 
precept that has no authority other than the will of the 
legislator. Right and wrong are and ever must be the 
same, legislate as you please ; the essential qualities of 
either can never be changed. As well might you attempt 
to change the colors of the rainbow by legislation. Right 
will still be right, and wrong will possess all its essential 
sinfulness. Though great legislators may " compromise " 
the one, and nationalize the other, their ipse dixit will never 
affect the transubstantiation. 

But civil government, to have any claim upon the regard 
of the citizen, must grow out of, and meet the necessities 



FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW. 271< 

of, human nature. Before human beings existed $ no civil 
government was established, for neither human relatione 
nor human wants existed. When man was created, human 
wants, and dependencies upon each other, bound him to 
his fellow man ; from these wants and necessities sprang . 
obligations to mutual respect and protection, so that civil 
society is not a state arbitrarily imposed upon man, but 
is the legitimate result of the development of his nature. 
He is horn into civil government as really as he is lorn* 
into the world ; so that the idea that man is born into a 
state of lawless individuality, and that on entering civil 
relations, he must " surrender his natural rights for the 
good of the whole,'' only to be cherished by tyrants. For 
the great design of civil government should be, to secure 
the undisturbed enjoyment of natural rights. [Natural 
rights are to be enjoyed for the good of man instead of being 
surrendered. So wisely has civil government been insti- 
tuted, that the highest well being of all its subjects can 
only be secured by the recognition of all their rights. It 
is the slave holder that demands that the rights of some 
shall be surrendered for the good of the whole ; and let 
him practice it personally if he chooses. Thus it will be 
seen that civil government exists as naturally among men 
as the family government between parent and child. — • 
Obligation is and must be the very soul of law ; the sine 
qua non of every civil duty. 

THE DUTIES OF LEGISLATORS. 

As civil law or government is but the obligations which 
grow out of our necessities and relations, so it follows as • 
a matter of course that legislators cannot make or unmake 
laws, no more than they make or unmake the constructive 
principles of human nature. As well might chemists. 



272 AN ESSAY ON THE 

attempt to make and abolish the laws of chemical affinity, 
make and abolish the laws of gravitation, as to make and 
abolish those rules which govern man in his relation to 
his fellow man. The chemist enters nature's great labo- 
ratory and begins to experiment upon the element which 
surrounds him, that he may ascertain the precise law by 
which their several atoms are governed and controlled. 
This he knows to be the only way by which their chemical 
qualities can be known. How supremely ridiculous it 
would appear to every intelligent mind, to behold an 
assembly of experienced chemists making speeches, and 
using all manner of intrigue and chicanery, in order to 
pass a vote that oil and water shall hereafter mix, and to 
finally " compromise" the matter by declaring that they 
shall mix " south of thirty-six thirty ;" but when great 
legislators resolve by ' ; compromise " that injustice shall 
he justice, south of such a line, the exhibition is no less 
ridiculous. If it is the chemist's duty to examine the 
mineral world that he may ascertain the nature and qual- 
ities of its various substances, and from them deduce its 
laws, it is the legislator's duty to ascertain the demands 
of human nature, the relations which bind him to his 
fellow man, his natural rights, and thence learn the laws 
and obligations which he is to enforce upon man. How 
much those herds of hungry politicians, who gather around 
our capital with both hands in the public treasury, watch- 
ing another horde who stand just back, impatiently watch- 
ing for their turn, have mistaken their calling, vainly 
supposing that they have come up with their wise heads 
and empty pockets to make justice and injustice, and 
encourage industry among the people by keeping the 
treasury envpty. With the idea that law may be made 
and immade at pleasure, the great object is t@ natter or 






FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW. 273 

frown a majority into their favorite schemes, and it goes 
forth into the world to be executed by " proclamations," 
and " all the military at the command of the Executive." 
As well might the chemists pour water and oil into a 
vessel, and upon its refusing to mix, issue a " proclama- 
tion " and summon the military with cannon and musketry, 
and after reading the " riot act," commence pouring in 
the grape and canister, to " execute the laws and preserve 
the union. The one is just as reasonable as the other. 
You may as well vote and bring your cannon to compel 
what shall be physical law, as what shall be morally 
binding upon the citizen. 

Obligations cannot be created or annulled by legisla- 
tion. It will be seen in the light of this reasoning, that 
obligations cannot be created or lessened by any enact- 
ments which may have received the sanction of human 
legislation. If law rests upon human obligation, and 
obligation result from the natural relations which bind 
man to his fellow man, it is very evident that these obli- 
gations cannot be changed until you can effect a change 
in the relations existing between man and man ; and that 
these relations cannot be changed so long as human 
nature remains as it is, and human necessities exist. Could 
obligations be created or abridged by the acts of constitu- 
ted governments, then is the serf, who trembles at the 
approach of sceptred tyranny, under obligation to heed 
the demands of his oppressor. According to this theory, 
one government is as heaven-ordained as another, and it 
is of course wicked to seek its overthrow ; and all laws 
emanating from the legislative authority, no matter how 
that power may be constituted or sustained, or what may 
be its character, are to be implicitly obeyed, without men- 
tal reservations. On what ground do republicans find 



274 AN ESSAY ON THE 

fault with the tyrannies of the old world, but on the ground 
that all just governments spring spontaneously from those 
relations and natural ties which bind man in one equal 
brotherhood, and that those tyrannies disregard and tram- 
ple upon those natural relations and rights of their groan- 
ing millions. They also believe that a republican gov- 
ernment is founded in the natural relations and obli- 
gations, which exist prior to, and entirely independent 
of, all legislation. What do we mean when we complain 
of " bad laws ?" If we mean anything, we must mean 
that the legislative enactments are contrary to natural 
justice, and disregard the acknowledged relations existing 
in the human family. These enactments, in order to lay 
any claim to our obedience, must create an obligation at 
the same time that they are made, and if there be an 
obligation to obey, then they cannot be had ; for evidently 
we never can be under obligation to do wrong, so that if 
we are under obligation to obey them, they cannot be 
wrong ; and consequently it would be wrong to repeal 
them. And the Medes and Persians did right in never 
changing their laws. 

If all obligations of a civil character are created when 
the statute is enacted or the constitution adopted, then a 
nation destitute of constitutions and statutes, are under 
no obligations to maintain order and justice among them- 
selves, for there are no obligations binding upon them. 
There is no legislation creating obligations. And should 
murder, theft and arson, ride triumphant over the best 
interests, and prey upon the lives of the community, no 
guilt would attach to the perpetrators of these deeds, 
because no legislation had created obligations to refrain 
from these deeds, if it be true that legislation creates 
obligation. But if civil government should rest upon 



FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW. 275 

obligations, and not obligations rest upon civil govern- 
ment, then a nation destitute of the forms of government 
are bound to ascertain and enforce these obligations, in 
the shape of civil law. To illustrate more clearly,— if 
murder is wrong because of the relations man sustains 
to his fellow man, and not because legislation forbids it, 
then it is the duty of legislators to suppress that crime, as 
a violation of natural rights, by proper restraints. To 
make this subject still clearer, if possible, let us take the 
case of the license law. When a town unanimously vote 
to grant license for the sale of ardent spirits, men gener- 
ally consider it right to clo so ; but when they refuse a 
license to sell alcohol as a beverage, they generally look 
upon its sale as a public wrong, and an immoral business. 
From what source does the traffic and use of ardent spirits 
derive its character ? from the civil statute ? or from its 
effects upon the human system % If from the statute book, 
abolish all legislation on the subject and the business is 
altogether innocent. But does human legislation make 
the misery and wretchedness in our land occasioned by 
the use of alcohol ? or are they occasioned by the natural 
and legitimate effects of alcohol upon the human system ? 
Why, every man will answer the latter. So then all 
legislation upon the subject will fail to give the business 
character until it can change the physical system so as to 
prevent all injury resulting from its use as a beverage ; 
and thus it is that every law, to have any claim upon the 
citizen, must rest upon and grow out of some prior obli- 
gation. 

In the light of this reasoning, and application of the 
principles, let us examine the condition of the slave. If 
legislation does not create obligation, then whence arises 
ihe obligation which the slave is under to render service 



276 AN ESSAY ON THE 

to his master ? Does it result from his color ? If so, what 
amount of African blood must one have to be under obli- 
gation to hunt him up a master and place himself and 
posterity under his supreme control ? This is a very im- 
portant question, for we find African blood existing in our 
population from one per cent, to the full blooded African. 
Now draw the line where you will, a portion of those who 
are now in slavery will be liberated, and a portion now 
free will become enslaved. And what evidence have we 
that the color of the skin brings a man under obligation 
to spend his days in slavery? And how do we arrive at 
the evidence that the negro color, above all others, is the 
peculiar color proscribed by this law of nature ? By what 
logical process has the fact been determined ? Not by 
one ancient custom, " whereof the memory of man runneth 
not to the contrary," for the first slaves of the Hebrews 
were not negroes. Neither were the slaves in the days 
of Christ and Paul ; so that we are at a loss to determine 
the precise period when it was discovered that nature 
designed the African race for slaves. 

If, then, as we have shown, the whole system is unnat- 
ural, and ther efore wrong, has not the slave the most 
undoubted right to escape from this position into which 
lie has been forced in open violation of nature, and con- 
trary to his own will ? If no human legislation can im- 
pose an obligation upon him to assume such a position, 
certainly no legislation can make it criminal for him to 
escape from it. He has an undoubted right, then, to 
assert his liberty and use the same means to secure it 
which any man may use to prevent being placed in the 
same situation ; for every effort made to arrest him is an 
effort to enslave him. Resistance to the slaveholder is 
the same in kind which "Washington made against British 
aggression and servitude. 



FUGITIVE SLATE LAW. 277 

HAVE WE A EIGHT TO AID THE SLAVE IN HIS ESCAPE ? 

Has one man a right to " love his neighber as himself?' 5 
Ought we to "do unto others as we would have them do 
unto us ?" — are questions of the same nature, and may 
all receive the same answer. Let us test this question by 
the principles which we have laid down. Suppose there 
is no legislation on the subject, and the captive is held by 
mere brute force as the Indian 'holds his prisoner of war, 
and has been enabled to escape from that bondage. Are 
we under obligation to restore him to his enemies ? All 
will answer this question in the negative. Where, then, 
Is the obligation to restore him ? But have we not shown 
that obligations cannot be created by legislative bodies % 
and if not, whence arises the obligation to restore the 
fugitive ? The Fugitive Act can place us under no obli- 
gation, unless it rests upon some natural necessity, unless 
it is necessary to secure natural rights, unless some good 
to the human race is to be secured by it. If we are under 
no obligation to aid in his return, may we stand calmly 
by and passively see him manacled and carried back to a 
doomed life of misery and wretchedness ? We now ap- 
peal to the relations which exist between man and man, 
for these relations are not bounded by the geography of 
color, nor determined ~hy the latitude of parentage. 

These natural ties call upon us to assist, by all proper 
means, in protecting the natural rights with which every 
man is endowed in his very existence, and until he for- 
feits their enjoyment we may not see him deprived of 
them, and plead innocence, no more than the Priest and 
Levite could pass the wounded man, and not mistake the 
law of brotherly love. The principle which is violated in 
his arrest and enslavement, is not confined to him, it is 
the same tenure by which we all hold our title to liberty 



'278 AN ESSAY ON THE 

and life. If we give our consent to its invasion in one 
instance, we invite its disobedience in a thousand cases, 
and we have sanctioned a measure which may enslave 
ourselves and our children. If the soul stealer and seller 
may break through the strong obligations of human nature 
and sieze his victim, and receive our passive acquiescence, 
he may upon the same principle, again sever the ties of 
humanity and send us to a life of unpaid toil, and our 
conduct on the former occasion will tell our friends not to 
interfere in our behalf •; thus we sustain all the tyranny 
in the world by sanctioning it in one case. 

And if we may not stand calmly by and see a fellow- 
man forcibly consigned to hopeless bondage, are we not 
under the strongest natural obligations to defend him 
against lawless violence ? For if the act has not natural 
obligations to sanction it, it must be perfectly lawless. If 
the slave has a natural light to defend himself, against 
violence upon his rights, we have the same right to main- 
tain inviolate his rights, as he has, or as we have to 
maintain our own. If all men are equal, and the life 
and happiness of one man is as valuable as the life and 
happiness of another, I am in duty bound to defend the 
life and liberty of another man, as much as my own. And 
any other position would make one man's life naturally 
of more value than another's. If one man's liberty and 
life may be taken with impunity, a great principle, is 
overthrown, and no man's life or liberty is secure for a 
single moment. If a slave defends his life, he does not 
defend it merely because it is Ms, but he defends the great 
principle which secures life and liberty to all men ; and 
on this ground we clear that man in law, and do so be- 
cause we wish to maintain inviolate the natural tenure 
upon which we hold our lives and liberties. 



FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW. 27$ 

In defending the slave against the "Fugitive Bill," 
which does not rest upon justice between man and man, 
and is therefore no law, because no man is under natwtal 
obligation to obey it, but it looks only to physical power 
for its support, and is therefore lawless violence. We do- 
not trample upon any natural obligation, therefore upon 
no law / but our resistance is much against legislative 
violence, and in support of law. We then are the law- 
abiding people; and all who aid the slave catcher are 
lawless mobs, and are endeavoring to establish the same 
system that now holds the groaning millions of Europe 
in abject slavery. All the thrones of the Old World rest 
upon this principle, that " the law making power must 
be obeyed;" and all the sceptres of tyranny are lifted up 
in its defence. It is for the overthrow of this law of ty- 
rants, that the noble Kossuth has bared his manly bosom: 
to the hired assassins of crowned despots, and is now 
thrilling England and the United States with the thunder 
of his eloquence, which is fast rolling a wave of natural 
justice beneath the thrones of Europe, that shall cause 
the knees of their kings to smite together like those of 
Beltshazzar. 

If the " Fugitive Bill," should be obeyed, it demands 
obedience from the fact that it rests upon natural justice, 
and the natural obligations existing between man and 
man ; and if it rests upon these relations, they exist in 
Europe as well as in America. And if we are under ob- 
ligations to return the fugitive from American slavery, 
we are under the same obligation to return the fugitive 
from European slavery. Then upon this principle let us 
seize the fugitive Kossuth, when he lands upon our shores, 
hand-cuff him, and send him back to his Austrian master. 
And let every fugitive from European despotism be served 



280 AN ESSAY ON THE 

in the same way. Let us for once be consistent with our 
democracy. 

Obligations grow out of natural necessities ; no man 
has a natural right to enslave his fellow-man, therefore 
when enslaved, he has a right to escape, and if he has a 
natural right to liberty, every man ought to aid him in 
regaining that liberty ; hence no one violates natural law, 
when he aids a slave to escape. Thus we reason, and 
thus we believe. Upon this view of the question what is 
the duty of every christian ? 

It must be an acknowledged point that his relations 
and obligations to his fellow-men, transcend all constitu- 
tions, and tramples upon all human legislation that forbids 
him thus to do. His sacred religion bids him to honor all 
those relations existing between man and man, and which 
are so inseparably connected with human happiness. And 
that provision of the " Fugitive Bill," which forbids our 
feeding or clothing the bondman, comes in direct contact 
with the entire spirit of every natural obligation, and de- 
nies to us the exercise of the common sympathies of our 
nature, thus imposing upon us the most imperative duty 
to disregard all such inhuman enactments. And the very 
life and progress of the christian system depends upon 
the unwavering opposition of the church to all legislation 
which throws itself in the progress of its heavenly mission. 

To whom must poor and bleeding humanity look for 
protection, if the church is deaf to her entreaty? And 
from whence shall she look for deliverance, if the arm of 
the church is paralyzed ? Politicians will never recognize 
the principles of natural justice ; they will never endan- 
ger their craft by giving to humanity their aid, especially 
when she is forsaken by her friends, and those who are 
bound by -the principles of their religion to act the part 
of the good Samaritan. 



FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW. 281 

While writing this Essay, I have been traveling in 
Pennsylvania, and I everywhere find, not only a hearty 
co-operation in favor of the Fugitive act, bnt an increas- 
ing feeling to expel the entire colored population from 
the State. Where ! Oh ! where shall the poor persecuted 
colored man flee? Taken from his native country and 
consigned to hopeless bondage, and his posterity after 
him, and despised because they are slaves, and when they 
attempt to get free, hunted like a partridge upon the 
mountains, and no where find any sympathy ! Just go, 
gentle reader, in your imagination, into the bosom of the 
poor flying fugitive ; doomed if taken, to spend a life in 
bondage, constantly, subjected to the will of another, and 
driven on to unpaid toil at the crack of the whip. He 
has resolved to escape from the cruel state in which he is, 
and to seek a clime where he may spend his life without 
the fear of the soul driver and the auction block. Mark 
his progress : skulking along through the forests and 
by-paths to elude his pursuers ; and equally jealous of 
every man he meets, for full well he knows that but few 
of those who bear the human form carry a human heart. 
He constantly feels that he has no friends, and that any 
man would again consign him to hopeless bondage for a 
few dollars, and even at command of public opinion with- 
out money. Thus traveling on toward the North star, his 
mind constantly balancing between hope and fear ; he at 
last meets a man, whom, from his appearance, he judges 
fills the sacred office, and professes to be actuated by the 
spirit of his Master. Hope begins to brighten in his eye, 
and his heart begins to be cheered with the anticipated 
friendship of a fellow-man in whom he can confide his 
aching heart. He addresses him as Brother, for he is a 
member of the same church, and tells him of his forlorn 



2'82 AN ESSAY ON THE 

condition, and entreats protection at his hands. But the 
supposed friend after speaking of " Abraham's stores," 
and the u peculiar situation of our Northern brethren? 
tells him that " he would not make one prayer^ if it 
would liberate all the slaves in the world." 

How must the poor man feel, as he contemplates his 
condition, forsaken as he must feel himself to be by 
God and man, and left as common prey to the soulless 
hordes of soul traffickers ? If there is any spmpathy in 
the church for human suffering, let it be manifested in be- 
half of the poor persecuted and hunted black man. The 
justice of God will not always sleep ; He will arise for his 
persecuted poor, and then their destroyers shall feel that 
injustice cannot always hold the sceptre of power. "We 
feel sometimes almost to murmur that the oppressor is 
permitted to drive the clotted lash semi-diameter deep 
into the quivering flesh, with impunity. But the cup of 
indignation against this nation must be filled ere it is 
drank. When the day of retribution comes,- as come it 
must, wo to the oppressor, "the beam will cry out of 
the wall," and judgment sure and awful, will be poured 
wihout mixture of mercy upon the oppressors of this nation. 

"We think that the position assumed in the commence- 
ment of this Essay, has been abundantly sustained ; that 
civil government grows out of natural relations, and that 
these relations exist alike in all men — are alike sacred to 
all ; and that the obligation to observe them is equally as 
binding upon one as another. Hence just, civil govern- 
ment is bound to protect the natural rights of every human 
being under its jurisdiction. To show that we are not 
alone in view of civil law, let us give a few quotations 
from good authority : 

" That we should live honestly, should hurt nobody, and 



FTJaiTIVE SLATE LAW. 283 

should render to every one his due, to these three princi- 
ples is reduced the whole doctrine of law." Justinian. 

" The law of nature, being coeval with mankind, and 
dictated by God himself, is of course superior to any oth- 
er. It is binding over all the globe, in all countries, and 
at all times ; no human laws are of validity, if contrary 
to this, and such of them as are valid, derive all their 
force and all their authority, mediately and immediately, 
from this original." Blackstone. 

In conclusion, we ask the reader to carefully study the 
principles we have laid down, and then ask himself the 
question whether he is under any obligations to pay any 
heed to the " Fugitive Bill ?" And whether he ought not 
to aid the slave just the same as he would if it had 
never been placed upon the statute book? 

It is evident that the Fugitive Act denies and tramples 
upon this principle ; and should its principles become 
everywhere prevalent, no just government could exist 611 
the face of the whole earth. Not an advocate of this 
worse than Algerine enactment would for a single moment 
incorporate its principles into the civil code that was to 
govern his own liberties. None pretend that it is just 
except when applied to the Mack man or slave. ~No one 
would be willing that mere property should be held on 
any such principles. Should they be incorporated into 
the frame- work of civil government, tyranny and misrule 
would everywhere prevail, so that the observance of this 
act would sap the very foundations of all just government. 
And in resisting this act, we clo not merely resist its effect 
upon the colored man, but reject it as a palpable viola- 
tion of every principle of civil government, at war with 
all the rights of man, and regardless of all the require- 
ments of God. 



284 AN ESSAY ON THE 

If we refuse to admit the relations that bind us to one 
portion of the human race, from what premise shall we 
deduce our claim to brotherhood with, and protection from, 
any other portion? Every argument in support of the 
chattel system, drawn from any other source than the fact 
that the negroes are slaves, is an argument that will sanc- 
tion the enslavement of any other race. And the same 
argument drawn from nature against the African race, 
may be adduced against many other portions of the race. 
And if they are to be denied the common rights of man- 
hood on natural grounds, from what source shall we claim 
our fraternity with the human race ? Therefore, when 
we sever the chain that binds them to humanity, let us 
remember that we cut our own bark from its moorings, 
and send it adrift upon the shoreless sea of misanthropy ; 
when we deny to them the common right of humanity, 
we break up the human family and make every man an 
isolated fragment, with no common centre around which, 
he may unite in sympathy with his fellow man. To deny 
the negroes the common rights of man, is to deny that 
he is a human being ; and if he is not a human being, why 
make laws to punish him for the commission of crime ? 
Every law upon the statute book is an admission of his 
manhood ; and every penalty inflicted for crime binds 
him in iron bonds to our own fallen and depraved race. 
Then with the admission of his humanity should come a 
recognition of all the rights and immunities inalienable 
to such a relation. For the rights grow out of, and are 
inseparably connected with, his human nature. And to 
deny his rights to life, liberty and equality, is to deny his 
rights to humanity ; and to deny his humanity is to deny 
our own, for both are established and denied upon the 
same grounds. 



FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW. 285 

It then becomes our duty to establish civil government 
upon the broad and universal principles of natural jus- 
tice, which guarantees to every man an unobstructed 
exercise of all his natural rights, whether' he be of Amer- 
ican, European, Asiatic, or African extraction, and to 
impartially punish every violation of this Magna Charta 
of human liberty and fraternity. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

His Origin — Early Life — Enters the Army — Close of the War — His 
Conversion — Joins the C. Baptist Church — Whitfield's Labors — 
withdraws from the C. Baptists and joins the F. W. Baptists, page 5 
CHAPTER II. 

His Call to the Ministry — Goes to Sea to Escape Duty — The Subject 
of a Strange Dream — Leaves the Ship, and Preaches — A Revival 
Commences, and he Enters the Gospel Field — New Trials, page 11 
CHAPTER III. 

Moves to Vermont — Is Ordained — His Trust in God — A Shelter is 
Providentially Provided — Is Exposed to a Mob — The Mob Converted 
and Baptized — Has a Queer Text Given Him. page 19 

CHAPTER IV. 

1817, Renews Covenant — Revival in Washington — Sister Danforth — 
Attends the Vt. Y. M. — Goes to N. Y. — Returns — Organizes a 
Church in Hinesburg — Brother Colby Restored from Sickness — Or- 
ganizes a Church at Duxbury — Organizes a Church at Shelburne — 
Organizes a Church in Huntington — His Labors During the Year. 

page 28 
CHAPTER V. 

1818 — His Feelings — A Communion Season — Attends the Strafford 
Quarterly Meeting — The Huntington, Hinesburg and Shelbourne 
Churches Received into the Huntington Quarterly Meeting — Broth- 
er Kimpton begins to Preach — Goes to Washington — Mr. Clark Con- 
verted in Answer to his Prayer — Has a Combat with a Christian 
Minister. page 55 

CHAPTER VI. 

1819 — Attends the Huntington Quarterly Meeting — Labors to Intro- 
duce System and Order — Is in Favor of Ministers receiving a Good 
Support — Brother C. Huntley Licensed — Some Evil Reports Circu- 
lated against him — He Receives a Pension — Brother Bachelder In- 
volved in Trials — A Hail Storm — The Conversion of Brother Mc- 
Callister — Organizes a Church in Stowe. page 78 

CHAPTER VII. 

1820 — Settles a Difficulty in Waterbury Church — Attends the Corinth 
Quarterly Meeting — Different kinds of Preachers — Ordination of El- 
der Samuel Lord — Visits the Grave- Yard — A Communion Season — 
Goes to the Wheelock Quarterly Meeting — Conversion of Sister 
Quinby — Ordination of Elder Powers — Ordination of Elder Calvin 
Huntley — Visits New Hampshire. page 90 



CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

1821 — Attends the Huntington Quarterly Meeting — A Case of Sui- 
cide — Ordination of Elder Josiah Wetherby — Labors in Brownsboro 
— Prejudice against Color — Is called to Pray with a Man and his 
Wife — Educated and Illiterate Ministers — A Preparation for the 
Ministry — A Tour to the North Part of the State. page 108 

CHAPTER IX. 

1822 — The Death of an Old Saint — His Labors, in Huntington — Re- 
vival Interest — He Baptizes Several — Attends the Huntington Quar- 
terly Meeting — Preaches at Jerico — Prejudice against his Color — 
Returns to Huntington — His Visit to the Grove — His Labors in 
Randolph — A Powerful Revival in Randolph and Brookfield. p. 136 
CHAPTER X. 

1823 — The Revival Continues in Randolph, Brookfield, and Redfield 
— He leaves to Attend the Huntington Quarterly Meeting — He and 
Elder Pope Engages in a Series of Meetings — Visits Enosburg — 
Meets with Opposition in Wellingford — Organizes a Free Will 
Baptist Church in Enosburg — Visits New York— Spends the Year 
in a Glorious Revival in the Enosburg Quarterly Meeting, p. 157 
CHAPTER XI. 

1824 — His Labors in the different Quarterly Meetings — He goes to 
Canada — Enjoys a Revival in Enosburg— Organizes another Free 
Will Baptist Church in that Town. page 175 

CHAPTER XII. 

Elder Bowles continues to labor in the several Quarterly Meeting? 
in Vermont — Sent a Messenger to the several Churches in the 
Enosburg Quarterly Meetings — A Letter to a Friend — Attends the 
Enosburg Quarterly Meeting — He bears the Yearly Meeting Epis- 
tles to the several Churches — History of Jeffrey Brace— American 
Slavery — Character ot some American Ministers — Death of Jeffrey 
Brace. page 185 

CHAPTER XIII. 

From 1836 to 1843 — He moves into New York — An incident on the 
way — His Labors in Hopkinton and Lawrence — Several Churches 
Gathered — The Fulfilment of a Curious Dream — He becomes Par- 
tially Blind — Ordination of Brother Baldwin — He Attends and 
Preaches at the First Session of the St. Lawrence Yearly Meeting 
—His Health Fails— His Death. page 200 

CHAPTER XIV. 
General Remarks. page 217 

Essay on the Character and Condition of the African Race, page 227 
Essay on the Fugitive Slave Law. page 269 



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